'27 GA QB Derrick Baker (Tennessee commit)

#51
#51
I'm on record as having not been terribly impressed with him, but admittedly, it was based solely on how he played against Buford in a game where he injured his wrist. So, perhaps not the fairest circumstances.

I preferred Blake Roskopf from Arizona, but I assume we didnt have much traction there, or the staff was of a different opinion. Perhaps Baker opens some lines of communication with other GA prospects that Roskopf didn't. Perhaps they like Baker better when fully healthy. Perhaps they felt a bird in the hand was worth two in the bush.

I think this kid is likely a suitable bridge option between Brandon and whatever big name we target for 2028, so it may not make a difference, anyhow. Think Tayven Jackson or Jake Merklinger.

Hope he stays healthy, camps and shows out this summer, and balls out for Milton this fall!
 
#56
#56
Definitely seems like we are putting all our chips on brandon and then whoever the 28 qb will be
Comments like this bother me. Not to knock you specifically but it's funny to me how the tune changes when this young man adds another star and then gets pursued by the entire BIG and SEC. I just hope this young man remembers we wanted him most before he adds his additional star(s).
 
#59
#59
Wouldn't really call him a project tbh. He is what he is. He just has not started and played still. They wanted to find an affordable QB for long-term depth if we are being honest and he could probably be that. You have two quarterbacks lined up to start over the next handful of years but competition in the room never hurts. He impressed enough at summer camp to get interest and was ready to jump in the class
 
#61
#61

The Scout​

“I think you have to start with the threat of the arms and the legs with Derrick. He is a physical runner, and that is kind of what led to him missing time last season. I think he is a dangerous threat running and throwing the football. I think that is a perfect fit for today’s college football game for keeping defenses on their toes. He has a very strong arm and is build like a linebacker. He is very strong and powerful at 6-2, 225 pounds. He is always working. He is very calculated and is detailed. He always has a calendar of training sessions and throwing sessions and is just always getting on the board. He is a guy that is driven to be great, and I think he will have a big season this year. He has all of the tools to be great. Again, I think the biggest thing is just being a dual-threat guy and driven to be great and will put in the work. He has all of the intangibles to be very good in college. “- Chad Simmons, Rivals Director of Recruiting
 
#62
#62
Dual threat opens up the playbook and gives a lot more for defenses to think about and cover on 3rd and medium especially.
My main concern with George back there… People who say he can run, I don’t think have actually seen him do it. He spent much of HS running backwards due to the OL and coaching but was not one to head downfield if things broke down. It is what it is. If the TEs and RBs become part of the passing game more he can get the ball out. Otherwise, some Rpos and such may need to be scratched as the defense won’t need to worry about the qb keeping it.
We need a Dobbs/Hooker type to get back to unstoppable.
 
  • Like
Reactions: orangebloodgmc
#65
#65
It was his best throw of the game for sure.

He had it pretty rough after that. Threw a pick-6 and then another that almost got housed. Credit to him for making the saving tackle, but he seemed to injure his wrist on his throwing hand making it. I don't think he attempted another pass the entire game, and in fact, Milton had to sub in a freshman to play QB when they were in obvious passing situations.

Milton seemed to have trouble keeping the pocket clean for him which led to some rushed throws. Both picks were rushed due to pressure.

Side note: the game was the first played at Buford's new $62 million stadium. Talk about impressive. Seats 10000, 1500 premium seats, 15 luxury suites, and a 3600 sq ft video board.
Those stadiums are commonplace here in Texas where football is a way of life on Friday nights
 
  • Like
Reactions: utvolmaniac
#66
#66
Andre needs to bulk up, but I really like him too and I think he’s the guy we should target.

Baker just hasn’t played enough for me to confidently say how good he is.

If he’s healthy and playing at Milton, there’s no comparison in level of comp.
One thing about this QB recruit is that his body is SEC ready right now. Not a skinny kid :) :) :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: benholt06
#67
#67
FWIW, AP said recently (can't remember if it was on a podcast or a radio spot) that multiple '27 QBs have told us they would be all in if not for Faizon already being here. Baker seems like a solid option given that the cards are probably stacked against us with elite guys, and the way QBs work out, it wouldn't shock me if he ends up being the best of the bunch. The miss rate on QB rankings is just ridiculous.
 
#74
#74
Kid has huge upside great get who knows how he turns out but one thing I know this year the national champion and Heisman winner didn't even get a walk on invite to Miami. Cam Ward 1st pick in past draft 0 star. Again predicting QBs success can be very difficult. Welcome Young Man to the Vol Family. In CHRIST Alone
 

Advertisement



Back
Top