Samuel Bailey feels like his Huntsville (Ala.) Jemison squad has something to prove this season.
Not to the outside football world, mind you.
This is more of the internal sort of validation that Jemison is after. A young group went 4-7 last year with three one-score losses from October on. The record could’ve been flipped. Sometimes you have to suffer before you can flourish.
Now the expectations for growth are high in the northeastern corridor of the state. That applies to Jemison as a whole and Bailey as a player.
One of the reasons for rising standards at Jemison is Bailey, who has distinguished himself as one of the country’s most promising offensive linemen in the 2028 cycle. With a frame that would make some NFL tackles envious, Bailey has a chance to fuel an ascending rushing attack.
The first step towards self approval comes on Aug. 20 in an intriguing season opener against Alexander City (Ala.) Benjamin Russell, which is led by 2028 Alabama QB pledge Kingston Preyear.
“We’ve got to hit them in their mouths,” Bailey said. “First game. If we beat them, if we win that first game, we can go 10-0 in the regular season and then do our thing in the playoffs. At the end of day, I trust my brothers and coaches. Everyone has worked their butts off.”
Bailey’s ability to lead and take strides as a technician are going to be fascinating follows this season. The massive rising junior is in focus as 247Sports begins its series: Get to know the Deep South class of 2028.
WHY HE MATTERS
Let’s start out with the obvious: There aren’t a ton of 6-foot-6, 300-pound teenagers roaming the country. And out of that narrow pool, even fewer have Bailey’s nimbleness.
Basically, Bailey is a rare commodity and that makes him highly coveted.
And given that he’s located deep within SEC country, Bailey is going to be viewed as an attainable — and essential — target by schools throughout the region.
RECRUITING PULSE
Bailey acknowledged that there could be some others getting into the fray, but he told 247Sports this past week that about eight schools were “contacting me constantly” and he felt some strong reciprocated interest.
The programs primarily vying for Bailey fall into one of two buckets: Having recent playoff experience or being in a rebuilding process under first-year coaching staff.
