Illinois Football: Wesley Bailey receives first power-five offer from the Illini

It looks like the Illinois football team is now pursuing a player who hasn’t received a lot of big-time attention in the recruiting market.

Not all talented recruits come with stars. Some players look to have potential and it takes a great coaching staff to develop those players into solid contributors. I believe the Illinois coaching staff sees potential in Wesley Bailey.

Bailey is a 6-foot-5, 230-pound defensive end from Ontario, Canada. He currently attends Clearwater Academy down in Clearwater, Florida, though. He isn’t rated or ranked by the recruiting sites, but this kid does have some programs coming after him.

Before the Illinois offer on Friday, some of the teams that have been pursuing Bailey include Central Michigan, Kent State and Miami (OH). But it looks like this young defensive end has caught the eye of the Orange and Blue.

For not having any stars and little recruiting attention, I was actually impressed with what Bailey brings to the table. The first thing that jumps out to me about his game is his speed. Bailey is able to get past the offensive linemen with relative ease because of his speed. Quickness is hard to teach.

I also like Bailey’s ability to rush the passer from various stances. He can get off the line quickly with the traditional three-point stance, but he is versatile enough to go out of the two-point and four-point stances as well. His ability to keep contain also impresses me. He doesn’t just put his head down and rush the passer. Bailey has the ability to read the play and not let the running back get outside the pocket.

I know there will be some fans who think just because you don’t have a star you shouldn’t be playing at a DI power-five program. That isn’t always the case. Bailey looks like a DI player. This kid has the attributes I would want on the team. He is a Bobby Roundtree type of recruit.