The summer recruiting season is in full-swing. Unfortunately, real, live college football is still a couple of months away.

With that in mind, TheClemsonInsider is taking a look back at the recruitment of each returning player to the Clemson roster with the Back When series.

CB [autotag]Adrian Baker[/autotag], Hallandale, Fla. – RS Sophomore

Clemson was in contention for Baker when he committed to Florida State in July of 2012, before the start of his senior year at Chaminade-Madonna High School.

Led by defensive coordinator Brent Venables, Clemson continued its pursuit into the fall. So did a number of other schools, including Wisconsin, Nebraska, Tennessee and Louisville.

By November, he scheduled to take an official visit to Clemson in the second weekend of December. It was his first trip to the school. While over at Dabo Swinney’s house that Saturday night, Baker was among the first to learn that defensive backs coach Charlie Harbison would be leaving for Auburn.

After taking an official visit to Oklahoma the following weekend, Baker and Florida State parted ways. Clemson and Oklahoma were listed as the finalists for the three-star cornerback as he approached his signing day announcement.

Clemson, of course, edged out Oklahoma. But the choice wasn’t easy for Baker. On top of his interest in the program, Baker’s cousin, offensive lineman Davin Joseph, played for the Sooners.

“When it came down to it, I think Clemson was the best fit for me,” Baker said. “It’s the best place for me as a person and a football player.”

Baker was one of several signing day acquisitions for Clemson, which also included cornerbacks Mackensie Alexander and Ryan Carter, safety Korrin Wiggins and guard Tyrone Crowder.

Defensive coordinator Brent Venables served as Baker’s area recruiter. In addition to his continued pursuit, Swinney and newly-hired defensive backs coach Mike Reed also played significant roles down the stretch.