Deandre Baker has come a long way since coming to Georgia as a former three-star prospect out of Miami.

In just four years, Baker went from a being a prep player whom not all schools believed could become a top contributor at a major college program, to a mutli-year starter who earned All-SEC and All-America honors while wearing the Red and Black.

Thursday night, Baker realized another lifelong dream when he was taken in the first round of the NFL Draft after being selected by New York Giants with the 30th overall pick.

While Baker received his share of criticism after declining to take part in the Sugar Bowl against Texas, what he did in his career with the Bulldogs spoke volumes.

One.

That’s the amount of touchdown passes that Baker allowed on his watch while playing at UGA, including a senior season that saw him go on to become the first player in Georgia history to win the Jim Thorpe Award, signifying the best defensive back in college football.

Although Baker’s numbers by themselves may not have been all that impressive, it was simply because opposing quarterbacks rarely dared to throw his way.

In 13 games, Baker made 40 tackles, with two interceptions and a team-leading 10 pass breakups. The first of his two picks in last year’s SEC opener at South Carolina would have gone for a pick-6 if he hadn't dropped the football before crossing the goal line. Linebacker Juwan Taylor had to scoop it up for the score.

Baker was the only Bulldog selected in the first round, but there will be plenty more to follow in the three-day event taking place in Nashville.

Linebacker D’Andre Walker, along with wide receivers Riley Ridley and Mecole Hardman, are each candidates to go in the Friday’s second and third round.

The draft concludes on Saturday with tight end Isaac Nauta, center Lamont Gaillard, defensive end Jonathan Ledbetter, and wide receiver Terry Godwin, other former Bulldogs hoping to hear their names called.