2023 Countdown to IUFB Kickoff: 40 Days (Josh Bailey)

Written by: Nate Comp (@NathanComp1)

The Hoosier Huddle countdown to kickoff marches on! For the 100 days leading up to kickoff, we at Hoosier Huddle will feature every player from the 2023 roster in anticipation of Indiana’s first game of the season against Ohio State in Bloomington. Today, we take a dive into the past and highlight Josh Bailey, a linebacker on the 2006 Hoosiers.

Josh Bailey

Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana

Height: 6’2”

Weight:  200 Pounds

Position: Linebacker

Josh Bailey had a special season on the Kellen Lewis-led 2006 Hoosiers team which ultimately led to he and Lewis earning their spots on the Rivals Freshman All-America teams. Bailey played in nine contests and led the squad with 7.5 tackles for loss on the season. He started hot from the start, totaling 11 tackles in his debut. He finished with 40 tackles and one sack on the season, while also breaking up three passes. The highlight of his season came when he recovered a key fumble in the Hoosiers’ 31-28 victory over Iowa.

Bailey had a heck of a high school career in Indiana as well; his senior season was capped off with a 35-23 5A state championship victory for his high school, Warren Central, over top-ranked Snider. Bailey caught a state-record 99-yard touchdown pass in the game and Warren Central (14-1) was able to stymie Snider’s #1 ranked offense.

The Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Kickoff rolls on with Day 39 tomorrow!