We’re approaching “best in the state without significant recruiting interest” territory for Bailey, who is a complete safety in a linebacker’s body. He played a lot of outside backer this season, but with that still comes the natural coverage ability and frequent slot alignments against spread formations. Just turn on the tape to see an impressive hybrid defender.

Bailey has gotten more comfortable as he’s gotten older and more experienced, and you can see that through his body of work this season. He’s a modern safety who can act as a third linebacker while the Titans stay in nickel, can come down and play the slot, or play a center field role and read the quarterback’s eyes. He’s been productive, flying to the ball, making plays near the line of scrimmage and forcing several turnovers.

I don’t want to add pressure to Bailey, but the reports I’ve heard are that he’s taken a huge step forward as a safety. We can look for all the reasons in the world that guys have breakout seasons whether it’s schedule, depth chart changes, scheme changes, etc. and sometimes players just develop. Bailey is one of the guys in the RDU area that I’m most eager to see in person this season as his size and speed profile isn’t a common one for a box safety.

Bailey has grown a couple of inches and made serious gains in the weight room, and he should play at a weight that matches his playing style in 2025. That is to say, he’s a hard-hitting box safety who has played undersized in the past. That won’t be the case this year and I would be surprised if this is the year he puts it all together and becomes a true star. He might end up as a linebacker at the next level, but I like his coverage skills too much to put him there yet.

Bailey is a big, powerful safety prospect with length who is poised for a breakout season with South Garner. His athleticism gives him a great floor and he’s continuing to improve this offseason, gaining weight and putting himself in position to be one of the best safety prospects in the class.

Joseph Bailey Joseph Bailey 6'3" | 215 lbs | DB/LB South Garner | 2027 State NC of South Garner has the frame of a prototypical Power 4 defensive back, and he backed it up with his play all weekend during the NLG Myrtle Beach Tournament. At 6’2″ and 170 pounds, Bailey moves with the quickness and fluidity of an athlete half his size. He showcased elite route recognition, a high football IQ, and proved to be a reliable playmaker throughout the tournament. Expect this super sophomore’s recruitment to skyrocket as the offseason progresses.

Bailey is an incredibly lengthy and athletic safety-linebacker tweener who is just coming into his own as a football player. He’s a sure tackler with the athletic profile to add ball production as an upperclassmen. As he continues to improve, his ceiling is high and he could be a guy who flies up the rankings.