Justin Baker Signs to Play College Football at Augustana

(EFFINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR JUSTIN BAKER SIGNED TUESDAY TO PLAY COLLEGE FOOTBALL AT AUGUSTANA COLLEGE IN ROCK ISLAND. SEATED LEFT TO RIGHT ARE MIKE BAKER {dad}, JUSTIN BAKER, AND BETH BROOKSHIER {mom}; STANDING LEFT TO RIGHT ARE HEARTS VARSITY FOOTBALL COACH BRETT HEFNER AND MIKE BROOKSHIER {stepfather})

A second Effingham Hearts football player has signed to play at Augustana College this fall.

Justin Baker was a highly successful lineman during the Hearts' run to the state semifinals this past season. He will be doing the same thing for Augustana.

When asked what he likes best about football, Baker said, "I like to hit people." Coach Brett Hefner said that's why Baker was ideally suited for the line, after playing at other spots when he was younger and before he grew in size and strength.

Baker said he's excited to be heading to Augustana with fellow Heart Jett Gillum, too. Gillum signed with Augie last week.

Baker plans to major in Pre-Veterinary, and said the program at Augustana blends well into the Veterinary program at the U of I once he completes his bachelor's degree.

Justin said he's proud of the record the football Hearts rang up during his years on the varsity squad and said the Senior Night game will rank high among his memories of his time at EHS.

Here's Greg Sapp's visit with Justin Baker at Tuesday's signing ceremony...

Greg also spoke with Brett Hefner about Justin at Tuesday's ceremony...