Jerome Baker Chooses Florida Over Ohio State and Tennessee

Coveted athlete Jerome Baker surprised many when he chose the Florida over Ohio State and Tennessee on Friday.

Baker (6’1, 205) is expected to play linebacker at the next level. It seems that his visit to Gainesville sealed the deal and was the main reason he is leaving his home state of Ohio to play college football.

Via InsidetheGators.com,

“The whole time I was there (Gainesville), I felt at home,” Baker said, referring to the three-day visit he made in the spring. “At Ohio State, I felt at home because my family was close and I knew people there, but in your gut you have to have that feeling and I got that feeling at Florida.”

“Even though I had only known them for three days, I just jelled so well with the players down there,” he explained. “The coaches, I talked to all of the coaches while I was there and it they were so welcoming. It was just so laid back and just a family type of atmosphere. I think it was just time to experience new things and the competition in the SEC is just so crazy so I think that will definitely test me there. I just think that it’s time for me to grow up a little bit and go a little farther from home.”

Baker’s decision is expected to be his first and only one but he still might take some visits in the future.

“I would say that I’m done just because it’s a stressful process,” he said. “One of my dreams growing up and then as a recruit was to take my official visits just because you only have one chance to do that, but right now I don’t see any other schools getting visits or anything. Just like I said about my decision, you never know what can happen, but right now I don’t see myself going on any visits.”

According to Rivals.com, Baker is the No. 36 overall prospect and the top overall player in the state of Ohio.

MSU Releases CB Ezra Robinson From Scholarship
MSU Releases CB Ezra Robinson From Scholarship