GENERAL: This California native belies his physical size, delivering bone-crushing hits on opposing ball carriers.
2009: While seeing action in all 12 contests, Baichtal concluded the season by logging 11 tackles against Nebraska-Omaha in the Lower Kanza Bowl, including two PBUs. Against Angelo State, he thwarted a potential ASU scoring drive with his second interception of the season, a one-handed effort at the WT 4-yard line, as well as contributing four tackles and a QB sack. Baichtal earned LSC South Defensive Player of the Week honors for his play against then #1-ranked Abilene Christian, as he intercepted ACU’s first passing attempt of the game, forced a QB hurry, registered a safety when he tackled Wildcat RB Daryl Richardson in the end zone, assisted on a QB sack and recorded six total tackles in helping the Buffs take a 32-21 road victory.
JUNIOR COLLEGE: Baichtal had a solid 2008 season as a cornerback-return specialist for Coach Mike Fuller’s Orange Coast College club. Over eight games, he logged 63 tackles (22 solo, 41 assisted), the second-highest total among Pirate tackle leaders. He also recorded three interceptions, returning them a total of 91 yards, had five PBU’s, forced one fumble while recovering a fumble. He also returned 17 punts for 113 yards, averaging 6.6. yards per return, while fielding two kickoffs for 44 yards, averaging 22.0 yards per return. He was a two-time first-team all-Mission Conference honoree.
HIGH SCHOOL: Baichtal was a second-team all-conference selection as a defensive back for Coach Bob Johnson at Mission Viejo (Calif.) HS.
MAJOR: Baichtal is majoring in Business at WTAMU.
