Latest news with #EdwardBaker
Yahoo
12 hours ago
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Tennessee Gets Good News for Coveted Player
Tennessee Gets Good News for Coveted Player originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Tennessee Volunteers added another prospect to their 2026 recruiting class. On3's Chad Simmons reported Friday three-star offensive lineman Edward Baker committed to the Volunteers. Baker told the Tennessee coaching staff his commitment plans Thursday. Advertisement 'They were so excited,' Baker told Simmons. 'They have been waiting for me to commit. I always had a spot and they have been telling me that since they offered me." Baker added that he nearly gave his verbal to the Volunteers last December. But after official visits to the Arkansas Razorbacks, NC State Wolfpack, Ole Miss Rebels and Penn State Nittany Lions, the offensive lineman was sure that Tennessee was right for him. Tennessee Volunteers football head coach Josh Heupel© Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images 'I love everything about Tennessee. It is a top program with great coaches," Baker told Simmons. "They look out for their players, they give their players a chance to compete and it is a big-time SEC program with top players. Their fan base is crazy, the atmosphere on game day is the best and it is a school I am excited about playing for. Advertisement 'Tennessee is a special place.' Baker also visited the Virginia Cavaliers during his recruitment process. The offensive lineman received offers from many other programs as well, including the Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers according to 247Sports. Based on the 247Sports Composite rankings, Baker is a top 100 offensive lineman in the 2026 class. Baker is No. 94 overall at his position and the No. 23 Maryland prospect too. Baker is the 11th pledge the Volunteers have received in the 2026 recruiting class. Related: Tennessee's Chaz Lanier Predicted to Join $269 Million Star in NBA Mock Draft This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
20 hours ago
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2026 three-star OL Edward Baker breaks down commitment to Tennessee
Class of 2026 three-star offensive tackle Edward Baker was pursued by many schools throughout his recruitment, but he has now made his commitment decision. On Friday, Baker announced his pledge to Tennessee. Baker took his official visit to Knoxville from June 6 through June 8. He also took official visits to his other four finalists: Virginia (April 25 through April 27), Arkansas (May 30 through June 1), North Carolina State (June 13 through June 15) and Mississippi (June 20 through June 22). Advertisement Ultimately, the Saint Frances Academy (Baltimore, Maryland) standout chose to play for head coach Josh Heupel, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Joey Halzle, offensive line coach Glen Elarbee and the rest of the Volunteers' staff. "Tennessee is somewhere I know I can get development and get the exposure to play against the best of the best," Baker told about his commitment to the Vols. Baker has been building strong connections with Heupel, Elarbee and the other Tennessee coaches for more than a year. Those relationships played a large role in his decision to commit to the Volunteers. Advertisement "My relationship (with the Tennessee coaches) is great," Baker said. "We've been talking since the opening (communication) period for the 2026 class (in June of 2024)." During his official visit to UT earlier this month, Baker was able to connect with the staff, eat good food and get out of his comfort zone to explore new excursions. "We went tube riding on the boat — I was a little scared because I can't swim, but the life jacket saved me," Baker said with a laugh. "Smokey's (Sports Grill) is the best food spot." In addition to the schools already mentioned, Baker received scholarship offers from Alabama, Auburn, Boston College, Florida, Maryland, Miami (FL.), Pittsburgh, Syracuse, UCF, Virginia Tech and others. Advertisement While the 6-foot-4, 315-pound Baker is listed as a tackle and can certainly play outside, he also has the flexibility to play in the interior as well. "(I can play) a little of both (outside and inside) — I'm a versatile offensive lineman that can do it all," Baker said about his playing style. With Baker's commitment, Tennessee's 2026 class grows to 11 total pledges as of press time. The Volunteers rank 35th nationally. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH TENNESSEE FANS AT
