OL Edward Baker details his commitment to the Tennessee Vols

Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances Academy offensive lineman Edward Baker has committed to Tennessee and it was a long time coming for the 6-foot-4, 315-pounder.

“I was close to committing to Tennessee in December,” Baker told On3. “Tennessee has been with me before anyone else. They started recruiting me last summer, then they offered me when I visited for the Alabama game and they have been on top of my list ever since. I have known for a while that I was going to Tennessee.”

Baker stayed patient and took visits. Arkansas, NC State, Ole Miss and Penn State were some of the schools in contention, but his mind stayed on the Vols.

“I love everything about Tennessee. It is a top program with great coaches. They look out for their players, they give their players a chance to compete and it is a big-time SEC program with top players. Their fan base is crazy, the atmosphere on game day is the best and it is a school I am excited about playing for.

“Tennessee is a special place.”

Baker gave the Tennessee staff the news on Thursday

Josh Heupel got the call earlier this week on Thursday. Baker spoke with the head coach, Glen Elarbee and multiple staffers about his decision.

“They were so excited,” Baker said. “They have been waiting for me to commit. I always had a spot and they have been telling me that since they offered me.

“Coach Elarbee was real with me. He is old school and he has great experience. Coach Elarbee was the first coach I built a real relationship with. We go back a long time and I can’t wait to go to work with him.”

The staff was a big part of this season. They believed in him early, they stayed consistent and he loves the people in Knoxville.

“I just had that feeling about Tennessee every time I visited. It never changed. When I was there for a game, for a practice in the spring and for my official visit – I loved it. The people are great. I like coach Elarbee a lot, coach Heupel does a great job and they really got to know me and recruited me hard. That stayed with me.”

Baker is excited about the future. Tennessee made the playoffs last season and the new commit expects to Vols to build on that.

“We will win a national championship while I am there. Coach Heupel has the plan and the program is rising. The players just have to follow the plan and we are going to win.”