Like a lot of great high school football players, Carson Baker of Fairborn High School transforms himself on Friday nights.

“That’s probably what is unique about him,” Skyhawks head coach Roy Thobe said. “He’s very quiet off the field but when he walks between the lines the switch goes on.”

A massive offensive tackle, Baker parlayed a breakout junior season into recently verbally committing to the University of Pittsburgh. He becomes at least the 16th area incoming senior to pledge his college allegiance before preseason. Seniors cannot sign a binding national letter of intent until February 2013.

At 6 feet 5 inches and 315 pounds, Baker already has the bulk college programs envision for offensive linemen. He also has the strength.

Thobe said Pitt coaches also were impressed by his weight-room workouts, focus and high-end work ethic. Combined with a physical style of play — Thobe labeled it “a nasty attitude” — and it was enough to win over yet another new Pitt coaching staff.

Former Wisconsin offensive coordinator Paul Chryst was named Pitt’s head coach last December. He replaced Todd Graham, who left Pitt after one season to become Arizona State’s head coach.

Baker will join former Trotwood-Madison standouts and brothers Nick “Freezer” Grigsby and George “Bam” Bradley in playing with the Panthers. Grigsby will be a redshirt freshman linebacker this fall and Bradley a first-year defensive back.

Baker also drew offers from Toledo, Ohio and Buffalo. He was Pitt’s 12th recruit in the Class of 2013 to commit and second offensive tackle.

As a junior he was first-team All-Greater Western Ohio Conference South Division.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2381 or mpendleton@coxohio.com.