Justin Baker Chooses Tennessee: A Strong Foundation for the 2025 Class…..
In October 2023, Justin Baker, the powerful running back from Buford High School in Georgia, made a decisive choice: he committed to play collegiate football for the University of Tennessee Volunteers (Volquest, Off The Hook Sports with Dave Hooker -). Widely regarded as a four-star prospect by Rivals, Baker became a pivotal early addition to Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class, reinforcing the Vols’ strategic push into Georgia’s rich talent pool (Volquest).
Tennessee rose from the bottom of Baker’s final six schools to the top through relentless recruiting and meaningful connection. Initially trailing programs like Georgia, Michigan, South Carolina, NC State, and Ole Miss, Tennessee flipped the narrative following a July campus visit. The show of confidence, offensive vision, and up-close access to a game-day environment convinced Baker that Rocky Top was the right fit (On3, SI). As he put it, “Tennessee made it clear… that I was a priority for them” (On3).
– Baker emphasized the straightforward nature of the Vols’ staff: “They’ve kept it honest with me from the start” (On3). – He gained a sense that Tennessee valued more than just his on-field talent, promoting a family-like atmosphere built on hard work, alignment, and mutual respect (Volquest, SI). – Running backs coach Jerry Mack forged a strong bond with Baker, aligning Tennessee’s scheme with his versatile skill set, while Hayes Heupel’s fast-paced, offensively dynamic program reinforced the decision. Baker sensed this system would allow him to shine (On3, Volquest).
Though often described as underrated, Baker delivers a high-impact, physical presence that belies his rankings. Standing about 5‑10 and weighing 200–210 pounds, he brings brutal power, explosiveness, and toughness to every snap—not just in carrying the ball, but also in pass protection and receiving roles (yourhighschoolsports.com, On3). His coaches praise his violent first step and rapid acceleration through gaps (On3, yourhighschoolsports.com).
Baker officially signed his National Letter of Intent in December 2024, more than a year after his commitment (On3). With that chapter complete, he focused on adapting to the speed, size, and structure of collegiate football—immersing in spring practices, team culture, and playbook studies before the 2025 season began (On3, University of Tennessee Athletics).
Justin Baker’s pledge marked one of the earliest high-profile commitments in Tennessee’s 2025 class, joining fellow Georgia prep standouts like CBs Shamar Arnoux and Dylan Lewis (Volquest, SI). His decision underscored the Vols’ success in building a recruiting pipeline in Georgia—a trend they aim to sustain into future recruiting cycles.
In summary, Justin Baker brings a potent combination of grit, versatility, and work‑ethic to Tennessee’s running back corps. His recruitment story—highlighted by transparent coaching, cultural fit, and offensive opportunity—reflects the rising stature of Tennessee’s program under Josh Heupel. As Baker transitions from Buford to Rocky Top, expectations are high: he’s determined to outwork his ranking and emerge as a foundational piece for the Volunteers’ ground attack.