College Coaches Following 19-Offer 2027 QB Derrick Baker from Florida to Georgia

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Across the country there are high school football players ready to make their mark this fall, but few have the intrigue this offseason like Derrick Baker. Baker (6-1, 220) has the arm, the stroke, the athleticism, and the high football IQ needed to succeed. Playing at national powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, FL) during the 2024 season, Baker has shown the skills against elite talent. Slinging the ball around the field this fall with Milton (Alpharetta, GA), Power Four college coaches will be watching every throw.

The proverbial cup is full with next level opportunities, 19 to be exact, with more to come. Among those wanting the Class of 2027 field general includes Miami, Kentucky, Auburn, Ohio State, UCF, TCU, Pitt, Ole Miss, Wake Forest, and Mississippi State.

Two bluebloods are showing heavy interest.

“Schools that came in, Notre Dame talked to my coach about me,” Baker stated. “They usually offer on St. Patrick’s Day. Alabama has shown interest. They’ve been sending camp and visit invites. Those are the top two showing interest that have not offered yet.”

The Gamecocks hosted Baker for a game last fall. Another SEC squad may get their turn this spring.

“I think I am going to Alabama in April,” Baker shared.

Baker added, “I am excited to be able to see the culture there. I have never been there before. I have been to the state but not there. I am excited to see how everything is ran and the tradition outside of it.”

The Fighting Irish staff isn’t the only group that has come to campus asking about Baker.

“Kentucky, Georgia – on the first day I started working with Milton, coach Kirby Smart (UGA) was actually at our workouts; that was amazing. Buffalo, USF – there’s been a lot. Seems like all in one week there were a lot of coaches.”

Once the Eagles get their spring ball going on the field, another round of college coaches will be in Milton taking notes.

“Illinois said they would probably come back, Georgia, those are the two I know are coming back,” Baker said. “And Auburn; those three.”

Baker was asked about the differences between St. Thomas Aquinas’ and Milton’s offenses.

St. Thomas Aquinas: “We were running a pound and ground to open up the pass. We were always finding a way to get the running back the ball to condense the defense down to focus run, then we’d spread out the ball. We were in 20-personnel or four-wide finding different ways to implement players and get the defense.”

Milton: “The offense is surrounded by my abilities. I have been with our offensive coordinator; he structures the offense in a thoughtful way. He focuses on the quarterback and receivers. It isn’t a fundamental offense; they choose what you are best at and ride with that.

“With (QB) Luke Nickel (Miami) last year, they were letting him take his time in the offense. I can use my legs in the game. This year it will be me spreading out the defense like at St. Thomas. I can air it out and run it.

“We will be more of a Spread. We have big receiver and one of the main targets is a tight end; we want to get him involved off the line or in the slot, we are figuring all that out.”

Although new to the Peach State, Baker already has additional QB coaching.

“I am working with coach Beas (Brian Beasley) from QB (Quarterback) Takeover in Georgia,” Baker stated. “We work on everything. He has me go through different things to see what I am most comfortable with. In the end, it is my throwing motion, it isn’t what someone else does and forcing that on me. He always tells me to work on what feels best and stack on that.

“We go off platform, use different arm angles, working in the pocket, getting away from pressure and how to handle the pressure.”

Photo credit: Baker family; Derrick Baker at UCF and Maryland