MOBILE, Alabama -- Demetre Baker is a pretty good running back for a linebacker. Baker, a former SuperPrep and PrepStar Magazine All-American from Orange Park, Fla., played both positions before signing with Georgia. The Bulldogs' coaching staff put him at linebacker with plans to redshirt in 2010, but Baker had another plan -- he transferred to South Alabama, where he has four years of eligibility and can play right away.

He enrolled in time to participate in spring practice and immediately grabbed attention with his mixture of power and speed as a running back. With preseason practice under way, Baker (6-1, 210) continues to show the skills that should provide him substantial playing time.

"My comfort level is very confident," Baker said after Thursday's practice. "I still think that being a running back is a big help to this team and this team's offense. It's kind of like what I'm used to. I was on a running team in high school, and I ran the ball a lot."

Baker carried the ball 113 times for 1,040 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior at Orange Park and scored 22 TDs as a junior. As a linebacker, he had more than 70 tackles as a senior, including 19 for loss, 11 sacks, 5 forced fumbles and 2 interceptions.

When he arrived at South Alabama, coaches knew exactly where they wanted Baker, who last spring also qualified for the NCAA East Regional discus and shot put.

"We had some guys that moved the piles, some tough guys, Brandon (Ross) and Kendall (Houston), and we had some fast guys in Santuan (McGee) and T.J. (Glover)," Jags running backs coach Tommy Perry said. "All of a sudden we look up and there's a guy who's got both -- he's a big, strong guy and he's got speed to burn, too.

"His maturation has gotten a lot better over the summer. Last spring, he was still thinking linebacker. He's a little more comfortable in the offense. I haven't seen him get out of control and his feet fly out from under him like happened in the spring. He seems to have more confidence back there. He's taken on a team leadership role. All that stuff is really encouraging."

Baker joins a solid group of running backs that will give Perry and offensive coordinator Greg Gregory flexibility.

"I'm ready to do my thing and help the guys out," Baker said. "I know we're going to be rotating in and out, so it's definitely something I need. I'm used to being the main player, but we have other guys who can help out, too, and that's a big help."