Report: Henry Baker Returning To Rutgers Football As Cornerbacks Coach

Two days after it was reported that cornerbacks coach Cory Robinson has left Rutgers for Maryland, a former Terp player and former Scarlet Knights player will reportedly replaced him. Henry Baker, who left the same position at Rutgers for North Carolina this time last year, is returning to the program. Scarlet Nation’s Shawn Brown was the first to report the news and NJ Advance Media’s James Kratch later reported it as well.

Baker was the defensive backs coach at FCS school Delaware from 2011-2016, before joining Chris Ash’s staff for the 2017 season. He previously coached under former Rutgers assistant Ralph Friedgen at Maryland in 2008 & 2009, working with the secondary, linebackers, and special teams during his tenure. Baker is an alum of Maryland and played defensive back there from 1994-1997, when the Terrapins were in the ACC.

From a recruiting perspective, Baker does have experience in Florida and it seems Ash is more open to targeting that area for the first time in his tenure. Baker also has plenty of experience recruiting South Jersey and the DMV area. He also previously coached at Eastside High School in Paterson, N.J. (2003, 2005-06) and South Miami (Fla.) High School in 2007 a decade ago.

Avery Young was a bright spot for the defense this past fall, as the true freshman improved steadily throughout the season after being thrust into action with the injury to Blessuan Austin. Baker was the coach to lead Young’s recruitment to Rutgers, so his return is certainly a positive with that relationship. The continued development of Young and Tre Avery is an important factor to the success of next year’s defense, both of which will now be coached by Baker.