Who Is Derrick Baker?

• Full Name: Derrick Baker
• Position: Quarterback
• Class: 2027 Recruit
• Ranking: Three-star prospect with 20+ Division I offers
• School(s): Transferred from St. Thomas Aquinas (FL) to Milton High School (GA)
• Team: Milton Eagles, known for elite 7-on-7 program C1N

Baker’s emergence as a high-level dual-threat QB garnered national attention. He excels not only on the field but academically, boasting a 4.3 GPA (x.com).

The Tennessee Offer: What It Means

A. The Offer

In early June 2025, Tennessee extended a coveted offer to Baker—signaling that the Volunteers are making a serious push to secure his commitment .

He expressed gratitude on social media:

“Blessed to receive an offer from the University of Tennessee ⚪️ #vols #govols …”

With over 20 offers—including from other SEC and Power Five schools—Tennessee had to impress to stand out

B. Significance for Tennessee

Tennessee has been rebuilding its QB depth chart following the departure of Nico Iamaleava and is aggressively seeking a new face of the future . Baker’s accurate passing, deep-ball ability, and mobility check many boxes for head coach Josh Heupel’s offensive vision.

The Visit: A Weekend in Knoxville

Baker recently visited Knoxville for a camp and official visit. His impressions were glowing:

• Infrastructure: Acknowledged ongoing renovations but praised the high-end areas he toured:

  “My visit/camp to Tennessee was amazing, got a chance to just look at the facilities and talk to some coaches. Most facilities were under renovation, but the parts I saw were extraordinary. It’s a place with things you wouldn’t really find anywhere else.”

• Coaching Chemistry: Highlighted early rapport:
• “My relationship with coach Halzle just started, but after talking to him and also being with him on the field, I can tell he’s an amazing coach and person.” 

Joey Halzle, Tennessee’s OC and QB coach, focuses on developing accurate, efficient, and decision-making quarterbacks—traits Baker believes align with his game.

Skillset & On‑Field Evaluation

What makes Baker a compelling QB prospect?

A. Deep Ball Accuracy & Zip

Multiple observers praise his precision and velocity on downfield throws:

“I got the chance to watch him in the spring and was impressed with his deep ball and accuracy. He puts the ball on the money every time and can fit the ball in tight windows. He throws it with great zip and accuracy.” 

Scouts describe it as “effortless”—his throw mechanics are smooth, tight, and repeatable .

B. Poise & Football IQ

He lists accuracy, arm strength, football IQ, and improvisation as key strengths . These reflect both physical tools and mental processing—critical for college-level QB play.

C. Athletic Mobility

Baker offers mobility, not as a primary scheme focus, but as an extension of his game when pockets collapse. He can make plays on the move

D. High-Achievement College System

Playing for Milton’s high-volume C1N system and on national stage camps, Baker competes with top-level peers—helping him stay sharp and play under pressure.

Recruiting Sources & Messaging

A. SI (Najeh Wilkins)

Najeh Wilkins of SI was among the first to break the news. His coverage paints Baker as a toolsy QB with significant upside and national momentum

B. Yardbarker

Yardbarker syndicated the SI article, extending the narrative and exposing Tennessee’s offer to a broader football audience

C. Social Media & QB Hit List

• On X, Baker’s announcement post (#govols) got nearly 900 likes and strong engagement
• QB Hit List notes his 20+ offers and highlights from his time at St. Thomas Aquinas to Georgia

Such buzz and positive sentiment increase his visibility among elite and mid-tier Power Five programs.

Recruitment Context & Timeline

A. Power Five Interest

Baker’s recruiting profile lists more than 20 offers, including from other SEC, ACC, and Big Ten schools. His transfer from Florida to Georgia may have helped open doors regionally

B. Camps & Exposure

His Knoxville camp performance not only earned the Tennessee offer but may also accelerate future interest—especially if early season matchups (e.g., Milton vs. Buford) go well

C. Decision Timeline

Typical QB recruits decide between junior and senior years. Derrick’s visit and communication with Tennessee coaches signals that he’s ahead of the curve. Official visits scheduled for late 2025 could seal the deal, but the Vols seem to be in strong position.

Fit within Tennessee’s System

Heupel’s offense thrives on:

• Precision passing
• QB mobility and improvisation
• Rapid reads and situational intelligence

Baker closely mirrors these traits, making Tennessee a natural landing spot. Moreover, Joey Halzle’s relationship-building and teaching style align well with Baker’s priorities

Competition & Roster Dynamics

Tennessee’s QB depth needs bolstering following Nico Iamaleava’s departure. Current options—true freshmen or transfers—present openings. Adding Baker injects:

• Another QB-on-offense track
• Opportunity for QB competition
• A long-term plan with room for growth

This approach mitigates the risk of relying on unproven QBs and adds more flexibility for Heupel’s offense.

Spotlight Game: Milton vs. Buford

In Week 1 of 2025, Baker’s Milton team faces off against the two-time defending state champion Buford Wolves on ESPN, in a brand-new $62M stadium

This game is crucial for:

• National exposure
• Strengthening his résumé
• Showing Tennessee (and others) he performs under pressure

A strong showing elevates a three-star prospect into the next tier of contenders.

Off-field Attributes & Character

A. Academics

His 4.3 GPA speaks to discipline, intelligence, and off-field maturity

B. Coachability

He’s receptive to coaching, as seen in his praise for Halzle to his “on the field, get to know coaches better.”

C. Leadership Qualities

His ability to unify and lead Milton’s young roster shows leadership and football savvy—all traits coaches covet.

What’s Next in His Recruitment

A. Evaluation Camps

Another Tennessee visit or camp appearance could solidify mutual interest. Strong early season performance will be key.

B. Additional Official Visits

Typical Power Five programs schedule official visits in spring/summer of junior year. Tennessee will likely follow suit—and may host early.

C. Media Follow-Up

As Baker continues to play, expect further coverage from SI, On3, and regional outlets. Recruiting chatter often hinges on “hot takes” after game weekends.

Quotes That Matter

Here are Derrick’s own words illustrating his mindset:

• On facilities: “It’s a place with things you wouldn’t really find anywhere else.”
• On relationship with Halzle: “I can tell he’s an amazing coach and person.”
• On his playing edge: “Accuracy, arm strength, football IQ, and my ability to improvise.”

These reflections reinforce that Tennessee’s message and culture are resonating.

What This Means for Tennessee’s Recruiting Strategy

• High-upside QB: Securing a three-star with Baker’s tools fits Tennessee’s balanced approach.
• Strength & Depth: They’re building both for the present and future.
• Competition: His inclusion fosters healthy QB competition—essential for offense growth.

How He Compares Nationally

While a three-star, Baker’s performance in elite camps and big games could push him into four-star territory. National QB classes often include breakout performers. Baker’s path is promising: high GPA, strong physical traits, intentional development.

Summary Table

Looking Ahead: 2026/2027 Outlook

Expect follow-up visits, summer camps, and evaluations. Baker will likely be a target in Tennessee’s 2027 class. The ball’s in his court—and Tennessee stands ready with a compelling plan.

In summary, Derrick Baker—a skilled, intelligent, and coachable quarterback—has taken a significant step with his Tennessee offer and visit. Strong synergy exists between his abilities and Tennessee’s system. How Baker performs at Milton’s high-profile games and how the relationship develops on future visits will help determine if he becomes a Volunteer recruit.

TL;DR

• Three-star QB Derrick Baker, with 20+ offers, visited Tennessee early June 2025
• He was blown away by facilities and coaching connection, especially with Joey Halzle
• His strengths include deep-ball accuracy, football IQ, improvisation, and mobility
• Baker’s social media post garnered high engagement—signaling growing fan interest
• The Milton vs. Buford game on ESPN this fall will be critical for national standing and recruiting leverage
• He fits well in Tennessee’s offensive philosophy and will help bolster the QB room.
• Next steps include additional visits, offers, and a decision likely in 2026.