The Cincinnati Bearcats received a verbal commitment over the weekend from 6’7″, 322 lbs offensive tackle Sean Bailey from Lambert High School in Suwanee, Georgia. 247 Sports was all over this one. Even more so was UC’s coaching staff, as they yet again proved their ability to find potential diamonds under rocks that others overlook. Their nose for talent is unbelievable. The fact that a player of Bailey’s size only has a single scholarship offer to his name, and it’s from the Bearcats, speaks volumes about this staff. I would be absolutely shocked if his recruitment doesn’t explode during his senior year at Lambert.

OVERVIEW

Position: Offensive Tackle

Offensive Tackle Hometown: Suwanee, GA

Suwanee, GA High School: Lambert

Lambert Height, Weight: 6’7″, 322 lbs

6’7″, 322 lbs Offers: –

– Composite Rating: *** – 84

*** – 84 247 Sports Rating: *** – 84

*** – 84 ESPN Rating: –

– Rivals Rating: –

– Scout Rating: –

ANALYSIS

Not unexpectedly, there isn’t much tape on him so we’ll make do with what we have. Bailey appears to be the largest player on Lambert’s football team by a couple of inches and several pounds. As such, the coaches have placed him at the critical left tackle position to protect the quarterback’s blind side. But he also dabbles at defensive tackle. While he plays both positions, his ability to push players around on offense far exceeds his ability to create penetration in the line.

Bailey just doesn’t have the explosiveness to play defensive tackle right now. He’s a load to block, for sure, but double teams seem to get the better of him as he doesn’t use his legs to burst through the line. Offensive tackle is a different story, though, as he moves fairly well for 6’7″ 322 lbs lineman. On run plays he engages quickly with the defender and bulldozes his way upfield. On passing plays, he’s a little stiff but appears to do enough to create a clean pocket for the quarterback. Again, Bailey is a solid prospect with the build of an elite tackle in the future. I’m confident Cincinnati’s coaches can help him refine his game during his time at UC.

OUTLOOK

He’ll redshirt his freshman year, not unlike basically every single other offensive lineman making the transition from high school to college football. Bailey needs to trade some of his raw size for more muscle, especially in the upper body, which shouldn’t be a problem for a player with his frame and his year off will allow him to do that. If he’s able to become a little leaner and a lot stronger in his first two years as Cincinnati, I don’t see any reason why Bailey couldn’t start seeing the field as a redshirt sophomore.

Photo courtesy Hudl.