Justin Baker commits to Tennessee and details decision to wear orange

Tennessee picked up another early commitment for the 2025 class as Buford, Georgia running back Justin Baker pulled the trigger on Wednesday night. The Buford product felt comfortable on Rocky Top.

“The best thing that made Tennessee the right fit for me was proximity to home,” Baker said, “It wasn’t the biggest thing but it was definitely a plus. The other thing was my relationship with coach Mack and the coaching staff up there. They really have a great thing going on, especially with the offense they have on and off the field. I like their academic programs and think it’s a great fit for me.”

The relationship with Tennessee running backs coach Jerry Mack has grown more and more in recent months and Baker just loves his approach.

“Me and coach Mack have a great relationship,” Baker said. “He really connects with his players and he works his guys. They have respect and love for him.”

Mack has been a head coach, offensive coordinator, and now specifically running backs coach. His knowledge of the game is something that really impresses Baker.

“I just can just tell he knows the game,” Baker said. “I’ve been in the meeting rooms and I’ve seen how he breaks down film. I’ve seen how he not only breaks down what the running backs are doing but the entire offense. He can explain it in detail from the quarterback’s to the offensive line to receivers. I can tell he knows the whole offense is supposed to look. He knows football.”

Baker is a downhill runner with a good burst. He is constantly working to improve his game.

“In my opinion I feel like I can do everything well,” Baker said. “I feel like me as a runner as you said downhill but then again being an every down back with my pass pro and knowledge of the game, I feel like I can do everything to a high level.”

Baker has been up to a couple of games and just fell in love with Tennessee the more he visited.

“It was really after the second visit,” Baker said. “When they first offered me I didn’t think much of it, but then I gave it a chance and I was really impressed. The first time time was an introduction. The next time I got to meet new people and then more new people the next time. First time was an afternoon game, then a night game and you see a different side of Tennessee and what they have to offer on and off the field.”

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