Derrick Baker

Physical Profile

Listed at 6-1, 230 lbs. Taller than 18% and heavier than 100% of 2027 Quarterback prospects in the SEC Scouts database (22 with a listed size).

Play Style

A physical dual-threat who plays like a runner as much as a passer. He is comfortable running the read option and designed QB runs, and breaks contain when the pocket collapses. As a passer he leans on arm strength and attacks vertically and outside the numbers rather than winning with touch and anticipation. One analyst calls him 'tough, dual-threat talent.' He looks most effective when the offense uses his legs to stretch defenses horizontally and then gives him one-on-one shots downfield.

Strengths

• Real run threat: his senior-year win at Battle Ground Academy (42-21) featured 5 total touchdowns (3 passing, 2 rushing) and 116 rushing yards on 11 carries. That production fits the QB run game in Josh Heupel's offense.
• Arm strength and production ceiling: he threw 5 touchdown passes against Cambridge, tying Luke Nickel's 2023 Milton school record. He can push the ball vertically, which Tennessee's spread-the-field, vertical passing game demands.
• Toughness and makeup: he stayed committed through rehab and through pursuit by other schools, including a reported Georgia offer after he committed. Coaches credit his relationship with Tennessee QB coach Joey Halzle, and he has experience at two elite programs (St. Thomas Aquinas, then Milton in Georgia's top classification).

Areas to Improve

• Ball security and decision-making under pressure: he went 6 of 15 for 88 yards with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions in the loss to Buford. Against elite defenses he must speed up his reads and avoid forcing throws downfield.
• Game reps and consistency: a week-one injury against Buford cost him almost all of his 2025 junior season, so he has a limited body of varsity film as a starter. His accuracy, timing on the second and third reads, and pocket movement need a full healthy season of reps to sharpen.

College Projection

Likely a developmental redshirt in 2027 to learn Heupel's tempo, signal system and vertical concepts behind the incumbent. He could become a factor in the QB competition in 2028-29 if his accuracy and processing keep improving. His running ability makes him playable sooner in package or short-yardage roles. As a mid-3-star, he needs development before he can be a full-time SEC starter.

Best Fit

A spread, up-tempo offense that features QB runs, read-option and RPO tags and vertical shot plays, which is exactly Tennessee's Heupel system. Run-pass-option spread offenses in the ACC or Big 12 would also suit him. Pro-style, heavy under-center offenses that ask him to win mostly from the pocket on timing would not.