The Tar Heels may not have had the success that we wanted them to in the state of North Carolina on the 2024 recruiting trail so far, but things are off to a much different start on the 2025 trail.
On Tuesday evening, 2025 4✮ QB Bryce Baker announced his commitment to Mack Brown and the Tar Heels over NC State, Duke, Wake Forest and others. The rising junior visited Chapel Hill earlier this month for one of the team’s one-day prospect camps and was one of the standouts according to Inside Carolina. Chip Lindsey reportedly made a really strong impression on Baker during that visit, a big step for the first-year offensive coordinator who missed on the top three quarterback targets in the 2024 cycle.
Baker, the No. 15 quarterback in the 2025 class according to 247Sports Composite player rankings, is getting ready to begin his first season at East Forsyth High School in Kernersville, NC after transferring this offseason. Last year, his first year as a starter at the varsity level, 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.
Where Baker really took off, though, was at the Elite 11 regional in Atlanta. Everyone in attendance was wowed by the accuracy that he showed throughout the day and his ability on the move. The fact that he was a standout at this loaded event tells you all you need to know about the potential that he brings to the table with two years left at the high school level.
All of those attributes show up in his sophomore film. The deep ball accuracy is there, but so is the arm strength. The throwing motion is pretty, even when he gets off platform and he thrives with the quick passing game that allows him to move his team up and down the field before he hits the big play. The athleticism is certainly there and he will be a factor in the run game. That mobility also allows him to make a lot of plays outside of the pocket. The step up in competition from the 2A level to the 4A level will serve him well and help his development at the prep level.
This is an outstanding addition for the Tar Heels to begin their 2025 class. It’s always great to have a quarterback committed a year ahead of time to build around and to have it come from an in-state product makes it even sweeter. The hope is that this can be a part of a mini renaissance on the recruiting trail after a class that took a bit of a step back in state and in terms of overall talent.