One of new general manager Michael Lombardi’s most important tasks when he took the job earlier this week was securing the commitment of 2025 4✮ QB Bryce Baker. On Saturday afternoon, Baker announced his final decision on where he would be signing.
According to Inside Carolina’s Don Callahan, Baker will stick with his commitment to the Tar Heels despite a late push from Penn State. Baker will enroll in January, which may give him a chance to compete for the starting quarterback job next year.
This season, as a senior at in-state East Forsyth High School, Baker threw for 3,523 yards and posted a 40-5 touchdown-interception ratio while completing 74.8% of his passes. He also ran for 303 yards and six touchdowns on 60 rush attempts. The prior year as a junior, he was named an all-conference player and all-state honorable mention this past year after throwing for 3,082 yards, 39 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He also carried the ball 36 times for 233 yards and three touchdowns for an East Forsyth team that would go 10-2 and fall in the second round to eventual state semifinalist Independence. The year prior, at Walkertown High School, he threw for 1,823 yards, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions and ran the ball 70 times for 139 yards and one rushing touchdown. Walkertown, won seven more games than they did the year before going 8-3, but bowing out in the first round of the 2A state playoffs.
There was so much to like about what we saw Baker on Friday night. At 6’2.5, 195 lbs., Baker has a good frame and his delivery is compact, allowing him to release the ball quickly. The arm strength is there and the accuracy is tremendous, especially on the throws to the sideline on deep passes. He does a good job of processing things, getting through his reads efficiently and effectively, allowing him to complete all but one of his passes. He moved extremely well in and out of the pocket and looked good throwing on the move and when off platform. When he does take off and run he’s effective, showing good speed and vision that allows him to pick up significant yards when needed. He lives up to his top 200 ranking and he looks like he has the making of the next great quarterback in Chapel Hill.
With Baker now locked up, the attention needs to turn to 4✮ EDGE Austin Alexander, who remains committed to the team but still hasn’t signed.