May 13, 2014 | 01:05 pm
Big 12 Looks for Bailey
Annabel Stephan Field Reporter
Austin (Texas) Lake Travis defensive back James Bailey discusses making a positional switch, recruiting, and more...
Austin (Texas) Lake Travis athlete James Bailey had a breakout junior season at linebacker, garnering the attention of a few college programs along while simultaneously helping the Cavaliers to a 12-2 finish.
This spring, the 6-foot-2, 196-pound prospect is embracing the challenge of making the switch to a different position.
"They have me at safety now. The first week, it took a while to get used to, but now I'm just loving it. It's easier for me to react and see the ball and where it is going," he said. This spring, the athlete is working to sharpen his skillset at defensive back so he can run onto the field week one feeling confident and prepared. "I've gotten bigger and faster. I've been running track, and that has really helped my speed. I've become more confident as a player, too," he said.
Bailey, who is still on the radar of some big programs, is taking seriously his new role as a leader on the defense. "I'm really stepping up. We've had other guys in the past and now it's my job to help lead everyone," he said.
A number of programs have stopped by practice to watch the Cavs, and a few are showing interest in Bailey. "Recruiting has been pretty good. It's a little slow, but a lot of big schools have been talking to me. I've talked with Oklahoma, Texas Tech, TCU, and Baylor," he said.
Sooner's coach Bobby Jack Wright recently made a trip to Lake Travis, and Bailey says the program is one in which he's definitely interested. "Oklahoma is one I'm really liking right now. They are big time school and they like to win. I'm definitely going to try to get to some camps this summer, especially the ones for schools that I've been hearing from," he said.
As for what position he would play at the next level, Bailey is unsure; however, he feels confident that he has what it takes to play college defense. "I really don't know what position they would want me at, but I would love to play outside linebacker or safety. I can bring intensity to a college defense. I love to go out there and try my hardest and bring the energy out to the field," he said
