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Thomas, Bailey’s pastor, has known the Georgia commit since he was in diapers, and says he’s one of the most respectful and obedient teenagers she knows—and also one of the best football players she’s ever seen.
Despite his football accomplishments, Bailey, a rising senior at East Hall, keeps a humble approach to life. That outlook led him straight to coach Mark Richt and the Bulldogs.
The short drive up U.S. 129 helped in the decision-making process as well.
“I like being close to home and being around family,” Bailey said. “It’s far enough away from me to be on my own, and also far enough away for me just in case I want to come home and see my family. And then I also love it because of coach Richt. When I talk to him, it’s more than about football.”
Admittedly, Bailey put this decision in God’s hands, and said he isn’t afraid to admit, and share his beliefs. The connection he and Richt share through Christianity made the decision even easier.
“(Richt) talks to me about spiritual things and life and that’s one thing I like about him because he’s a spiritual man,” Bailey said. “That’s what I am myself. I put everything I do in God’s hands, because I know if I put it in my hands, it won’t prosper.”
Bailey, already 6-foot-4, 240-pounds, said he likes Georgia’s new 3-4 defensive scheme, and believes he can contribute in a multitude of ways in Athens. New defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, although having been around for a couple of months, made a major impression on Bailey. Grantham paid Bailey a visit three days after taking the job at Georgia, and the entire staff let him know he was wanted and needed.
The aggressive approach is a change from the last regime, Bailey said. A change for the better in his opinion, he indicated.
“The staff from last year they, sometimes the coach would come out there, and other times he wouldn’t,” Bailey said. “But, the staff this year, what I like about them is that when they want something, they go get it. They are persistent about it when recruiting. That’s what I like about it, because they don’t stop. When somebody tells them, when I’m looking here, they say, ‘we’re still going to come after you, because we see you as one of the top players in the state.’ They’re persistent about it.”