Offseason training and spring practice has worn Phillip Bailey out. Not only is he adjusting to his new role as vocal leader for a Daytona Beach (FL) Mainland defense known as one of the most fearsome in the state, he’s also focused on learning a new position. The 6-0, 218-pound linebacker is willing to line up anywhere on the field in the fall to help his team accomplish their goal of a state title.
Bailey served as a decoy for the Buccaneers last season. He lined up at fullback and sometimes even running back, but even he knew that he would never touch the ball. The Mainland coaching staff wanted a bruiser to lead the way for the running back, and the physical Bailey fit the bill.
This year, defenses won’t be able to ignore Bailey on the field. He went to the coaches this offseason and suggested he get some carries to eliminate defenses knowing he won’t touch it.
“I’m just looking forward to being able to hit people when our offense has the ball,” Bailey said. “That’s usually only for when I’m on defense.”
Bailey has put extra time in this offseason running hills to prepare for his new role on the team. But that shouldn’t make people forget about his main role.
He held down the linebacker position last season and recorded 125 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, eight sacks, one interception, four forced fumbles and one recovered fumble. Despite filling the stat sheet every game, Bailey wants more out of his team next year.
“We did pretty good,” Bailey said. “We made it to the second round and went 8-4. It was kind of a down season for us, but it’s still a good season. We’re bringing pretty much our whole team back. Our goal is to win state.”
The offseason has given him a chance to adapt to the role of leader on defense. The talented Mainland defense is stacked with talent from every grade, so Bailey sees himself as a mediator to all defensive players.
“I try to keep everybody focused,” Bailey said. “We’re returning everyone, but we’ve still got a lot of young guys on the team.”
Plenty of schools are in contact with Bailey about playing for them, but right now he only has one offer from FIU. He grew up rooting for all Florida teams, but Miami’s program stood out to him. Now preparing for his senior year in high school, a new instate team has taken over as his favorite.
“Right now Florida is basically the main school I’m talking to,” Bailey said. “They’re great. I’m in touch with them and South Carolina.” The other school in the race for Bailey is the South Carolina Gamecocks.
“I can’t say much about them because I haven’t been up there yet, but I like the coaches I’ve talked to,” Bailey said. “My recruiter is Steve Spurrier Jr. He tells me that they really want me to go there and be a playmaker.”
The dialogue between Bailey and the Florida coaching staff began before the 2008 class even signed their letters of intent.
“I’ve talked to Coach Gonzales the most so far,” Bailey said. “I talked to him a lot before the Junior Day about him wanting to go up there for it. Then when I went up to there I talked with Coach Strong too. Coach Gonzales was telling me how much they like me, and I just told him how much I liked them too. Hopefully they’ll shoot me an offer.”
Florida’s Junior Day gave Bailey the opportunity to see the University of Florida for the first time, even though he lives two hours away.
“I’d never been up to Gainesville before that so I wanted to see it,” Bailey said. “I’ll be going right back up there for the spring game next month. I’m going to be watching my position when I get up there. I want to see if they can make plays like me.”
It’s that confidence that gives Bailey an extra edge on the field. He trusts his abilities and knows how to cause an impact on any game.
“I’m a game changer,” Bailey said. “I can change the momentum of the game on any given play. I need to work on my reads and make sure I’m running downhill. I’m focusing on my angles right now.”