4-Star QB & UNC Commit Baker Discusses Big Weekend & More
Bryce Baker, a dynamic 4-star class of 2025 pro-style passer who attends East Forsyth High School in Kernersville, NC, that is committed to play quarterback at North Carolina.
Baker was back on campus the weekend of UNC’s basketball game against Duke to further strengthen his relationship with the staff and help recruit the other prospects that also visited.
THI caught up with Baker earlier this week to learn more about how his time on campus went. Here is that conversation:
THI: How was your experience at the basketball game, where you witnessed the big bout between Carolina and Duke?
BAKER: "I loved the energy. It was electric. The anticipation just continued to build. It was a great experience. The crowd was making noise on every single possession. My section wouldn't even sit down. It was crazy. Seeing (students and fans) meeting at Franklin Street was also a great experience.
THI: Were you able to meet with quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey, and what were you able to discuss?
BAKER: "I was able to meet with him. We talked and ate lunch together. We got to talk a little bit about schematics, and I'm continuing to learn the intricacies of the offense."
THI: Tell me about how your sit-down was with head coach Mack Brown and his wife, 'Miss Sally' at the basketball game.
BAKER: "We just talked about the game and the atmosphere and just continued to grow that rapport between us. It's just always great to see (Brown and his wife). There is always something to talk about. It's never a dry conversation, and I just love talking to them for sure.
THI: What off-field topics were you able to cover during your conversation with Coach Brown?
BAKER: "Mainly, we just watched the game, and I enjoyed talking with him about his fish pond. (Brown) has a big pond in front of his house, and we just talked about how we both love fishing. We were able to talk about the fish he's catching right and how he's trying to stock his pond in preparation for the spring."
THI: As quarterback signee for the 2025 cycle, your job description entails keeping the class together and unofficially recruiting new prospects to campus. What was your message to signees and recruits in Chapel Hill last weekend?
BAKER: "Just the overall loyalty of the coaching staff. Even from when I committed, I was still being recruited. The love never changed. I feel like the (other guys) also experienced that. There were only 20 recruits at the game. So, that was mentioned, along with how they were the top guys that the coaching staff really wanted. I just reiterated to them that UNC is loyal, that they genuinely want you as a player and person, and that they just want to develop you."
THI: Were you able to build connections with any other assistants on staff during your most recent visit to campus?
BAKER: "Definitely (Volunteer Offensive Assistant) Clyde Christensen. We have a great connection, and he is very knowledgeable, so I definitely strive to call him once every two weeks to ask him some questions about the quarterback position for self-development reasons and just see what he's up to. I was able to talk with him during the visit."
THI: Did you have any other important takeaways from the trip?
BAKER: "Just how the city of Chapel Hill comes together like that after a win. Everybody was just running down to Franklin Street, even the parents. The business and shop owners came out on the street, and people were on the rooftops, just celebrating. So, it's just good to see how the city will support you."
THI: More than anything, what makes you most excited to suit up at UNC as you begin preparations for the senior season of your high school career?
BAKER: "I just see this as an opportunity to grow mentally and physically and just put myself on that platform to be able to make it to the next level if I execute, and that's what I plan on doing. So, just continuing to take it day by day, not stretching things too far into the future, and trying to seize the opportunities that I have now at East Forsyth. But I'm definitely excited, and I know that my time will come when I have that opportunity in front of me at Carolina, so I'll just have to be ready to seize it, and that's what I'm doing each and every day."
THI: What is your reaction to teammate, Class of 2026 wide receiver Jaire Richburg, earning his big offer from Carolina on Jan. 26?
BAKER: "For sure. I mean, of course I would love for him to come to Carolina, but it's his decision. He's enjoying the process, and I know Carolina is on his list. I'm just going to continue to be in his ear about it, but ultimately, it is his decision, so we're just mainly focusing on doing what we have to do next season to continue to produce. But I'm happy for him to have the opportunity to play at UNC, and I would love for him to come here."