Centennial 2016 OL Steven Bailey Talks about Commitment to Northern Arizona

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

When American outlaw Jesse James (1847-1882) was stealing from other businesses during his heyday, he was using a gun. All Northern Arizona had to do when they stole offensive lineman Steven Bailey away from Division-I programs was be the first to offer and be genuine about wanting him to play for the Lumberjacks.

On Sunday, Centennial High School offensive lineman Steven Bailey had wrapped up a visit to Flagstaff, heard what he needed to hear from the Lumberjacks’ coaching staff and the school, and saw an end to the craziness that college football recruiting can be for some. NAU landed Bailey over offers from New Mexico, New Mexico State, Army, Air Force, South Dakota State, Weber State, and Montana State. The one thing that was hanging overhead for Bailey was a possible offer coming down the line from in-state powerhouse Arizona. That possibility of playing for a home team Division-I prolonged his decision but a possibility he had grown tired of waiting to see if it would happen.

NAU did get a steal with Bailey. The 6’3”, 300 pound, talent can grind it out at guard and/or center. Over the last two seasons he was one of the best linemen in the state of Arizona trapping, pulling, and pancaking his way to being named first team All-District and first team All-State for his junior and senior campaigns.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Bailey after his commitment to Northern Arizona to get his thoughts on the recruiting process, the Lumberjacks’ program, and the inside scoop on how his commitment took place.

Interview

Alright Steven, dumb question of the day… How did your visit to NAU go?

“I got up there on Friday and just got back a little while ago (Sunday). When we first got there, we did introductions, had dinner, and talked to coaches. On Saturday, we went into the coach’s office, Coach (Jerome) Souers, and spoke with him for a few hours.”

When you visited, did they have you paired up with another recruit?

“Yes. They put the recruits in our own rooms. There were 10 of us. They did that to try to create a bond with the other players.”

Who did they pair you up with?

“Chase Laurita (OL – Ironwood Ridge HS). He committed to NAU too.”

When you spoke with Coach Souers, what did you talk about with him?

“We went over how they run things with their program and their expectations of the players once on campus. He asked where I was at with my recruiting and how interested I was in their program. I told him they were my No. 1. I told him I wanted to talk to my family and I’d let him know the next day about my decision. They were my first offer so I gave them the most respect for that.”

Did they talk about how they will utilize you within their offense going forward?

“He said they do a lot of power running, and their O-line coach (Tim Davis) loves me. They have loved me from the beginning. I have a good relationship with their coaches. I fell in love with the school while I was there.”

What is their plan with you from Day 1? Do they expect you to come in and compete for a job, be a contributor, or redshirt during your freshman season?

“They expect me to come in and start. We’ll see how that goes.”

Who did you committed to, Coach Souers?

“Yes. Coach Souers brought me aside along with my parents. I had talked it over with my parents and committed to him.”

What was Coach Souers response when you committed?

“I can’t remember exactly what he said but he was fired up. He knows I’m all in with the program and with the team.”

How did you feel at that moment? Nervous or excited?

“I was more excited than nervous. I feel like the recruiting process is fun but it’s stressful. It’s a big relief to be done with it.”

I know Arizona was a potential spot for you that you had kind of been holding out for through this process. Where was everything left with the Wildcats?

“Arizona was contacting me. Their coach said he was waiting for a spot to open up. I realized I was not their first option. If I went there I would not start and I would have to wait a couple of years to get on the field. So I made my decision with NAU.”

Did you ever take a visit to Arizona?

“No. NAU was my first visit.”

Back to NAU, are you going to help recruit players to join you in Flagstaff?

“Yeah, well possibly. I know one of the guys on our offensive line is interested in NAU. The guys that want to go there do not have an offer right now. Kind of hard to recruit them but at the same time I know they’d love to go there.”

Steven, thanks for your time today and good luck at NAU.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Steven Bailey after a Centennial practice.

Photo credit: yourwestvalley.com; No. 70 Steven Bailey celebrates a Coyotes’ win.

Photo credit: Bailey family; Steven (left center) with NAU football staff.