Rookie Baron making good impression
Considered small as a defensive tackle, he aims to show he belongs in the CFL
Woody Baron figures everyone eventually gets their 15 minutes of fame. He’s still chasing his and hopes it will materialize with the Alouettes this season.
At 6-foot-1 and 270 pounds, he’s considered undersized for a defensive tackle, probably why he was among the final cuts by the Dallas Cowboys last September after being signed as an undrafted free agent.
It’s also likely why he flew under the radar his first three seasons at Virginia Tech. Indeed, the Hokies contemplated redshirting him in 2015, until veteran Corey Marshall was injured during a pre-season practice. But after starting only seven games his first three years, Baron elevated his game as a senior, making more tackles that season than the previous three combined.
“It just wasn’t my turn. I had to keep chipping away,” the 24-yearold Nashville native said Wednesday, following the morning training camp practice.
But Baron has made a favourable impression with coaches and management through the early stages of Montreal’s camp. He has looked impressive during one-on-one drills against offensive linemen and is considered an explosive defensive tackle who’s capable of making plays because of his quickness off the snap and effective use of his hands. He’s also considered a relentless player with a great work ethic.
“If he was a few inches taller, he would be in the NFL,” Als general manager Kavis Reed said. “His measurables fit the CFL in terms of his size and stature. And, obviously, his motor.
“He continues to show he’s a disruptive individual that can play the three-technique (inside) and really press the pocket in terms of the pass rush. He has pass-rush moves. And he plays the run effectively. We can also use him in a defensive-end position and not feel we’re missing anything because of his quickness.”
Reed didn’t believe the Als would ever see Baron after he was signed by the Cowboys. And, even after his release, it took several months of dogged determination to convince him and his agent that his future might lie north of the border.
Baron, who has a degree in Spanish, continued training last season while driving an Uber to pay the bills. He proudly states his driver rating was five stars.
His competition will be stiff at camp. Alan-Michael Cash was recently signed as a free-agent after his release by Toronto, while defensive coordinator Rich Stubler is believed to be bullish on Lawrence Okoye, a 6-foot-6, 309 pounder. Also returning are Canadians Jabar Westerman and Fabion Foote, the Als’ top draft choice in 2017.
Baron can’t afford to look too far ahead, but admitted he’s grateful for the opportunity he has been provided.
“They’ve given me a wonderful opportunity,” the well-spoken prospect said. “I’m not focused on making the team right now. Think small, and the big things will come. If I focus on things that are down the road, making the team or the (coming) season, I’ll get lost and the day-to-day product won’t be genuine.
“I’m focused on the small things and the big things will take care of themselves. It may be a tough way to survive, but it’s the only way I know. That’s how I went through Virginia Tech.”
The odds, it seems, always have been stacked against Baron, who was considered undersized coming out of high school. Back then, journalists suggested there was nothing spectacular about his athletic traits or on-field ability. And coming out of college, his 40-yard time of 4.92 seconds hardly turned heads.
And yet, he continued to make plays. In 52 career games — 21 starts — over four seasons with the Hokies, he produced 99 tackles, including 27.5 for losses, along with nine quarterback sacks. He recovered three fumbles while forcing two others.
There was speculation he might fly under the radar and stick on the Cowboys’ 53-man roster last season. Making it through six weeks of camp and four exhibition games only made the release more bitter. Baron said he refused to contemplate a CFL career until after the Super Bowl, holding out hope some team would reach out.
“It was definitely heartbreaking,” he said. “You put a lot into it (only) to come up short. Unfortunately, it wasn’t my time.”
Perhaps it will be in Montreal, Bert Hill, the Als’ defensive-line coach admitted Baron is working hard and having a good camp, but was loath to single him out. Baron, for his part, hopes to simply continue developing as a player while improving.
“Become a better pass-rusher. A better player and smarter player in general,” he said. “I think that will make the team better, me pursuing my own personal excellence. That’s my long-term goal, to be successful with this team as long as possible.
“Provided I make it.”
Notes: Defensive back Khalid Wooten, who spent 2016 with the Als, was added on Wednesday and participated in the afternoon practice. ... Guard Ryan Bomben suffered an injury to his thumb or knuckle, according to head coach Mike Sherman, and didn’t participate. ... Defensive back Joe Burnett, a free-agent signing from Calgary, has some scar tissue on his head that requires healing and prevents him from wearing his helmet . ... Als co-owner Andrew Wetenhall watched the afternoon session, accompanied by team president Patrick Boivin.
If I focus on things that are down the road, making the team or the (coming) season, I’ll get lost and the day-to-day product won’t be genuine.