North Carolina jumps on their class of 2025 and makes a statement at the same time. Quarterback of Rivals250 Brice Baker just announced his commitment to the Tar Heels. The No. 10 quarterback for the Class of 2025 is the 14th quarterback to announce his commitment and the first to join North Carolina’s recruiting class for next year.
“It really started with their spring practice and how I felt on campus,” Baker said. “I felt like their spring training was different in terms of their level of quarterback play and throughout their operation. I felt like they were more determined, efficient and j loved how their training was going. It was also about my trust in the coaching staff. Coach Lindsey and I spoke frequently and regularly. During my unofficial visit there, I was able to meet Coach Brown. We went to his office and just talked not just about football, but about life, student life, career paths, and his true love for his players. Support from UNC and the evidence of his ability to help me achieve my goal, the NFL, and his ability to develop me won my trust.
“Coach Lindsey’s genuine relationships with his players stood out,” he said. “I asked him what makes him different from other quarterback coaches and he could have talked about bringing guys to the NFL or his knowledge of the game, but he understands that can be consistent throughout the game. college, so he said it’s his relationships and how he doesn’t change once you’re there or while he’s recruiting you. He’ll have that sincere love, care and support for you as a than anyone.
“Coach Brown and I mostly talked about family,” Baker said. “It kept coming up. UNC has this family atmosphere that’s great for freshmen coming in. It’s great to have so he pointed that out and he talked about what my family does. He also talked about how he takes care of his athletes and asked He asked me some questions to understand who I am as a person He asked me deep questions to see how I answered them.
“I asked Drake (Maye) what goes into his decisions, why he thinks his success came this way and how development is at UNC,” he said. “It all comes down to development and genuine care and support which they enjoy there. He explained how Coach Lindsey prepares him mentally and physically and how he doesn’t take it easy with him and during Drake’s training challenges. He also talked about how Coach Brown is someone you can always talk to, but he has two different personalities because when he’s on the pitch he’s locked in and a winner. It was great to hear. One question I asked him was “If you weren’t where you are, do you think this coaching staff could still prepare you for the NFL?” He immediately said yes and explained why. His explanation was about how Coach Lindsey coaches and the knowledge he has. If you don’t understand something, you have the option of asking, and you just need to be convinced and internally motivated to go after it.
“Once everyone sees that I’ve committed to UNC, I’ll have a list of other top prospects I’ll sign,” Baker said. “I want to use my leadership to try to get them to come and play with me and express to them what UNC brings and why I chose the Tar Heels.”
The talent under North Carolina center isn’t going to drop much once Drake Maye leaves for the NFL. Baker is a special talent in this position and still has two years of high school to go to continue honing his skills. At several events this offseason, including the Atlanta Rivals camp, Baker has shown his tussle, blow-for-blow with some of the hottest quarterbacks in the Class of 2024. He throws an accurate ball from the pocket and running. Baker was always accurate throwing from multiple arm angles and did a good job directing his receivers. He will face a significant competitive step up this season at Kernersville (NC) East Forsyth compared to last year as a sophomore at Walkertown (NC) High, so it will be important for him to show his development on the court this fall. . .
For North Carolina, getting Baker on board so early in the process is a big statement. Nine Power Five programs had already been offered to him, but dozens more followed his development. If Baker’s first games this fall are as impressive as expected, more Power Five deals should be on their way.
