# Baker locked in on Tennessee, focused on senior season > Milton's 2027 QB commit shows why he's a future Vol with five TDs and mentorship from Cam Newton. - Title: Baker locked in on Tennessee, focused on senior season - Summary: Milton's 2027 QB commit shows why he's a future Vol with five TDs and mentorship from Cam Newton. Derrick Baker is a dual-threat quarterback committed to… - Keywords: derrick baker, tennessee volunteers, milton eagles, 2027 recruiting, quarterback, cam newton, c1n 7v7, dual-threat qb, georgia high school football, college football recruiting, sports, Baker - Source: Tennessee Volunteers On SI — https://si.com/college/tennessee/recruiting/2027-tennessee-football-qb-commit-derrick-baker-locked-in-with-vols-focused-on-senior-season-01m2bkyyej52 - Published: 2026-09-16T00:14:23+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: derrick baker, tennessee volunteers, milton eagles, 2027 recruiting, quarterback, cam newton, c1n 7v7, dual-threat qb, georgia high school football, college football recruiting, sports ## Baker lights up Battle Ground Academy Tennessee's 2027 QB commit Derrick Baker threw 3 TDs and ran for 2 more in Milton's 42-21 win over Battle Ground Academy, showcasing the versatility that makes him a future Vol. ## Recovery fuels leadership focus After dealing with injury last year, Baker has emphasized developing as a leader and becoming more versatile in everything he does on the field. > I'm kind of just developing more as a leader. Just being versatile in anything I do. ## Escaping the pocket with purpose Baker's first TD showed his ability to elude blitzing defenders while keeping his eyes downfield, combining mobility with smart decision-making. ## Praising his supporting cast Baker credits his receivers for running great routes and his offensive line for giving him time to operate from the pocket. > I'm standing back there in the pocket like I'm sitting on the couch. ## Tough runner at six-foot-one At 240 pounds, Baker carried the ball 11 times for 116 yards and two scores, keeping his legs moving through contact and fighting for every yard. ## Tackling toughness on display Baker has always been difficult to bring down, but his injury recovery has allowed him to express that toughness more fully this season. > I've been that tough to tackle for a little while. I'm going to go get every yard that I can. ## Recruiting teammates to Rocky Top Baker wants to bring offensive linemen Joshua Evans and Landon Ghea, plus versatile athlete Keelan Wonsley, to Tennessee as he visits home games. ## All in on Tennessee commitment Baker says no other schools are recruiting him and he's focused entirely on Tennessee and finishing his senior season strong. ## Training with Cam Newton's program Baker plays for C1N, the seven-on-seven program run by former Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, who serves as his mentor and coach. ## Newton's mentorship on mentality Cam Newton has helped Baker focus on the emotional and mental side of quarterback play, teaching him to stay consistent regardless of what happens on each play. ## Be yourself, Newton advises Newton's core message to Baker is to embrace who he is as a quarterback rather than trying to fit different roles, while also learning to dissect defenses. > I think the best piece of advice is to really just be yourself. ## From junior struggles to senior focus Baker's emotions were up and down during his junior year, but he's now locked in on being the same player every play, a lesson learned through Newton's coaching. ## Newton's impact on next generation Despite his controversial reputation, Newton has coached, mentored, and advised many young athletes since his playing days ended, sharing his quarterback knowledge. ## Supporting his seven-on-seven coach Baker attended Auburn's game in week one as an honorary captain to support Newton, showing the bond between coach and player. ## Key takeaway Derrick Baker is a dual-threat quarterback committed to Tennessee who combines physical toughness with leadership development, backed by mentorship from Cam Newton.