Matoaca ATH Devin Bailey (Photo: Joe Barnes/recruit757)
VSU lands commitment from Devin Bailey
by Byron Jones, recruit804
Matoaca’s Devin Bailey (2021 ATH 6-0 180) shut down his recruitment just before Thanksgiving when he announced that he would stay close to home and attend Virginia State University. When asked about his decision to commit to the Trojans, Bailey stated, “It feels great to have a place called home.” He continued, “Coach Harris is my recruiting coach. He believes my athleticism and knowledge of the game on both sides of the football will allow me to have a big impact on their program.”
Bailey is no stranger to Virginia State University. His older brother Jalen plays running back for the Trojans. In addition to linking back up with his brother on the collegiate gridiron, Devin will once again be teammates with former Warrior standouts Juleon Pointer, Marcus Dreher, and Xavier Addison. “Having guys like my brother and old high school teammates around me 24/7 at the next level will push me to be the best player I can be,” stated Bailey.
Devin kicked off his recruitment in a big way back in April when he received a PWO opportunity from Coach Justin Fuente and the Hokies. Over time, Bailey picked up offers from Hampden-Sydney, Washington and Jefferson, Christopher Newport, UVA-Wise, and West Virginia Wesleyan. He was also heavily courted by VMI, Emory and Henry, and West Virginia State.
As a junior in 2019, Devin recorded 25 tackles, two interceptions, and one fumble recovery. Offensively, he hauled in 12 catches for 112 yards. The Warriors finished the season 5-5 and just missed the Region 5B playoffs.
It is unclear at this point if teammates Troy Lewis (2021 WR 6-3 200) and Jacob Coleman (2021 WR/LB 6-4 220), who are both verbally committed to ECU, will suit up for Coach Parker and the Warriors in the spring. However, Bailey is 100% ready to hit the field one final time with his team and help continue Matoaca’s ascension back up the 5B ranks.
– Byron Jones