The Tennessee Vols are targeting an intriguing quarterback, and they may be the team to beat
The Tennessee Vols are in the mix for an interesting quarterback.
The Tennessee Vols are reportedly targeting a 2027 quarterback recruit that has “clear upside”.
According to On3’s Chad Simmons, the Volunteers are one of the schools seriously in the mix for 2027 three-star quarterback Derrick Baker.
“Quarterback Derrick Baker saw his junior season cut short in 2025, but his upside remains clear,” wrote Simmons this week.
“The buzz heading into spring centers around Florida State and Tennessee, and Josh Heupel’s staff has done strong work behind the scenes,” continued Simmons. “Tennessee is in a good position as Baker prepares for another round of visits, and the Vols have generated some early buzz around the dual-threat quarterback.”
Baker, 6-foot-2/220 pounds from Alpharetta, GA, is rated in 247Sports’ composite rankings as the No. 37 quarterback in the nation and the No. 62 player in the state of Georgia.
Don’t be fooled by Derrick Baker’s recruiting ranking
Baker isn’t highly rated, but that could change by next summer. The Georgia native already has the physicality to play in the SEC. According to 247Sports, he “has a ton of muscle and almost looks like a linebacker when you see him in person”.
The main reason that Baker isn’t rated higher has nothing to do with his ability — it’s the fact that he hasn’t played much in high school. Baker missed all but one game during his junior season due to an injury (he suffered a wrist injury in the first game of the season last fall).
Baker has been described as an “an intelligent quarterback who understands offenses”.
Florida State and Georgia are also pursuing the three-star quarterback.
With Faizon Brandon likely to start at quarterback for the Vols in 2027 and 2028 (if everything goes to plan, which is no guarantee), it’s not a surprise that Tennessee isn’t targeting a top-ranked quarterback in the 2027 recruiting class. Baker, though, could still end up being an under-the-radar star.
Tennessee Volunteers News
‘I don’t think they’re surprised’ – College football insider says ‘warning signs’ about James Pearce were evident at Tennessee
Former Tennessee Vols EDGE James Pearce was arrested on Saturday in south Florida after an altercation that involved former Lady Vols standout Rickea Jackson. Pearce, who posted bond on Sunday, is being charged with five felonies — two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police officers, aggravated stalking, and aggravated […]
