PASADENA — It’s enthusiasm Sierra Canyon senior safety Myles Baker can’t hide.

Baby blue head cover and arm sleeves and the next chapter of Baker’s career awaits at UCLA. He was in attendance for another night at the Rose Bowl before his Bruins outwilled Purdue 52-38 in front of 30,916.

Baker had another defining game on Friday night, leading a bruising defense that took Orange Lutheran out of rhythm to eventually win 28-10. He made five tackles and a game-clinching interception.

A potential preview of Baker’s future 25 miles east at the Rose Bowl, where he’ll attempt to become a mainstay on UCLA’s defense in 2027.

It’s not the phrase that Baker has appreciated from UCLA’s coaching staff in Bob Chesney, defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler, safeties coach Anthony DiMichele and defensive analyst Justice Seales. But the constructive criticism and mentorship he’s received.

“They were hard on me,” Baker said.

Hitschler was a defensive backs coach at Alabama in 2024 and coached safeties at Wisconsin and Cincinnati. The calm but directness of Hitschler fits with Baker’s personality.

“I believe in our coaching staff,” Baker said about Chesney, Hitschler, DiMichele and Seales. “I believe in the resources that we have at UCLA and we are going to get the job done.”