Tony Baird

Height:
6-3
Weight:
225
Class:
Junior
Hometown:
Virginia Beach, Va.
High School:
Ocean Lakes
Major:
Exercise Physiology

Completed spring drills by earning a spot on ECU’s defensive depth chart as a key reserve at the bandit end position (alongside Michael Swift, behind Kendall Futrell) … Could also experience additional action as a special teams member to bolster on-field repetitions … Opened collegiate career as a linebacker before moving to the “stand-up” end slot after the arrival of new coordinator David Blackwell in the spring of 2018 … Officially enrolled early at ECU in January of 2015, thus already has four spring practice periods on his Pirate resume … Was not officially credited with any tackles during first spring scrimmage (March 17), but logged two stops in the Purple-Gold Game on March 24.

2017: Recorded one tackle (assisted) in six games during sophomore season … Played in contests vs. Virginia Tech, USF, Houston, Tulane, Cincinnati and Memphis … Produced only stop on special teams (punt return) against the Hokies at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium … In addition to special teams, primarily worked with Pirate linebackers during the fall.

2016: Came off the bench to play in four games during first active season on Pirates’ roster … Appeared in contests against Western Carolina, NC State, South Carolina and Navy … Recorded one tackle, an assisted stop on kickoff coverage vs. Wolfpack at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.

2015: Redshirted … Did not experience game-day action, yet turned in notable contributions on ECU’s defensive scout squat.

High School: Did not play during the 2014 season, but was a key figure in Ocean Lakes’ 12-1 record (5-0 in league play) in 2013 … Compiled 132 tackles, 23.0 TFLs, 12 sacks, two forced fumbles and two recovered fumbles as a team captain during senior campaign … Also blocked six punts and one field goal attempt during the course of the year … Guided the Dolphins to the semifinals of the state playoffs before falling to Colonial Forge 23-20 … Keyed a defense for head coach Chris Scott that held opponents to seven points or less on eight occasions as a senior … Effort of note was a nine-tackle (2.5 for lost yardage) outing during a 62-28 victory over Western Branch … Additionally, recovered a fumble and blocked an extra point during win … Ranked as the No. 8 defensive end in the state of Virginia by MaxPreps … In all, was a three-year letterman who was part of a program that also produced a 14-1 mark in 2012 and an 8-3-1 ledger in 2011 … Booked 136 stops (28.0 TFL), 17 sacks and a pair of strips and fumble recoveries as a junior … Opened 2012 pre-season camp listed fourth on two-deep before earning starter’s status at beginning of season … In addition to ECU, reportedly recruited by Navy as well … Turned in a strong performance in the classroom as well, earning inclusion on Ocean Lakes’ Honor Roll and standing as Math & Science Academy Grad.

Personal: Full name is Tony F. Baird, Jr. … Born at San Diego, Calif. … Son of Tony and Vicki Baird … Father Tony played collegiate football at Southeastern Conference member Kentucky … Enjoys working out in weight room … Major is exercise physiology … Earned Chancellor's List honors for work in the classroom.