Posted by ESPN.com’s Heather Dinich

The NCAA has received NC State’s petition for a sixth year of eligibility for tailback Toney Baker, and coach Tom O’Brien said on Wednesday’s ACC teleconference that he expects to hear a positive result soon.

“I think he has a great case for it,” O’Brien said. “I’d be very surprised if it was denied.”

Baker, who suffered a season-ending knee injury on Sept. 1, 2007, missed almost two complete seasons, but O’Brien said he’s never seen a player work harder to get back on the field than Baker. It’s finally starting to pay off. After a dismal start when Baker fumbled on his first play in almost two years on the opening drive against South Carolina, Baker has since rushed for 513 yards and six touchdowns on 95 carries and caught 20 passes for 259 yards and three more touchdowns.

Baker currently ranks fifth in the ACC in touchdown scoring and sixth in rushing. He has also moved into 12th place in school history in career rushing with 1,860 yards and his 17 rushing touchdowns rank 11th in school history.

Against Florida State, Baker rushed for 112 yards on 19 carries, the second-highest total of his career. It was the first time since the 2008 season opener that a Wolfpack back ran for over 100 yards.

“I wouldn’t have given you a penny to think he could play the way he’s playing now after watching him at the end of spring practice, and we all held out hope that his knee was going to respond and respond well,” O’Brien said. “But I think each and every game he’s become more confident that he’s structurally sound. He’s more like the back we thought we had inherited when we came here two years ago. It’s been remarkable his turnaround, and what he’s been able to accomplish running the football.”

And if all goes well for the Pack, Baker will be back again to do it next year.