QB Derrick Baker Returns to FSU, Strengthens Ties with Seminoles Staff
TALLAHASSEE - Derrick Baker is no stranger to Florida State. The three-star quarterback out of Milton High School in Alpharetta, Georgia, has made multiple stops in Tallahassee over the past year - attending games, camping with the team, and building a strong rapport with the Seminoles’ coaching staff. But Saturday’s Junior Day visit offered something new: a chance to sit down with FSU’s new quarterbacks coach, Austin Tucker, and dive deeper into the program’s vision for him.
“It was phenomenal,” Baker said of the visit, and it’s clear the experience left a strong impression.
This wasn’t just a meet-and-greet. Baker got into the X’s and O’s with Coach Tucker, spending time on the whiteboard breaking down concepts and fundamentals that define FSU’s offensive identity. For a young quarterback looking to find the right fit, that kind of hands-on session is invaluable.
The visit also gave Baker another opportunity to connect with head coach Mike Norvell and offensive analyst Gus Malzahn. Baker has spoken with both before, but this trip helped further solidify those relationships.
“Getting to sit with Coach Malzahn and Coach Norvell, getting to talk to them again - I know I’ve been able to do it before. It’s just nice to continue to build a relationship,” Baker said. “It’s phenomenal.”
One particularly interesting moment came when Malzahn compared Baker to a quarterback he knows quite well - Cam Newton. That’s a comparison that hits close to home for Baker, who currently plays on Newton’s 7-on-7 team.
“Cam’s a big guy, strong, had a big arm, able to use his legs,” Baker said. “I do compare my game to him a little bit.”
At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, Baker certainly brings a similar physical profile to the table. And while he missed most of his junior season with a wrist injury, he says he’s now fully healthy - a key development as he looks ahead to a pivotal offseason.
Next up for Baker is a likely return to FSU this spring to observe a practice. That visit would give him a closer look at how the coaching staff operates on the field and interacts with players in real time - a crucial piece of the puzzle for any quarterback evaluating a potential landing spot. An official visit is expected to follow.
Right now, Florida State is in a strong position.
“FSU is definitely at the top of the list,” Baker said. “They’re a school I’ve been to a lot of times and been able to build the most relationships with - especially Norvell.
I’ve seen him the most out of any of the head coaches I’ve been around. That’s a strong relationship right there.”
FSU isn’t the only program in the mix. Georgia, Tennessee, and Auburn are also involved, and Baker plans to make his college decision before his senior season kicks off in the fall.
There may not be any public predictions just yet, but one thing’s clear: Baker is doing his homework. He’s taking the time to learn each system, get to know the staffs, and find the right fit - not just for his skill set, but for his future.
Florida State has put itself in a good spot. Now, it’s about continuing to build on that momentum.