Countdown to Kickoff: 70 Days (Jacob Bailey)

Written By T.J. Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

#70

There are now 70 days until the Indiana Hoosiers open the season against the Southern Illinois Salukis. That means we are taking a look at IU’s #70, RS junior offensive lineman Jacob Bailey.

Jacob Bailey

-Height: 6’5”

-Weight: 298 pounds

-Hometown: Carmel, Indiana (Cathedral High School)

-Year/Position: RS Junior/OL

The Indiana Hoosiers have had great success recently with players from Cathedral High School. Kofi Hughes had a very good career, Anthony Corsaro is a senior leader and solid TE and Jacob Bailey has been a contributor during his first three seasons at IU. Bailey was a lineman at Cathedral and won two state titles (2010 and 2011) with the Irish. He earned All-State honors as a junior and as a senior and was rated the 12th best prospect in the state before committing to IU.

Bailey redshirted the 2012 season and earned scout team player of the week honors for the Ball State game. He was forced into action by injuries to fellow linemen and excelled when given his opportunity. Bailey ended up starting games and appearing in three others during the 2013 season, all at guard. The offense during that season ranked as one of best in school history, setting records for total yards per game (508.5), points per game (38.4) and total touchdowns (62). Bailey’s contributions earned him a place on most All-Freshman teams. He had another solid season in 2014, starting twice at left guard and playing in six games overall. IU’s offensive line helped the Hoosiers rack up a single-season school record 3,163 rushing yards.

Jacob Bailey enters the 2015 season with a chance to start at left guard. However, it’s more likely that he will continue to rotate in at both guard positions and plug holes wherever injuries or fatigue occur. Bailey’s biggest asset is his versatility to play on both sides and the Hoosiers can never have enough experienced linemen at their disposal.

Our countdown rolls on tomorrow as we reach #69. Come back to Hoosier Huddle for great preseason coverage!