Stanford edge David Bailey has entered the portal, and Notre Dame could recruit him again

The college football transfer portal has become one of the most significant factors in reshaping rosters across the nation, as players seek new opportunities to advance their careers. The latest player to enter the portal is Stanford’s edge rusher, David Bailey, a dynamic pass rusher who has shown considerable promise during his time with the Cardinal. As a result of his decision to enter the portal, the possibility of David Bailey reuniting with Notre Dame, a school he was previously connected to during his recruitment, has emerged as a topic of considerable interest.

Notre Dame has long been recognized for its ability to attract talented players from across the country, especially on the defensive side of the ball. With head coach Marcus Freeman at the helm, the Fighting Irish are in a strong position to continue to attract top-tier talent, both from high school recruits and the transfer portal. With the emergence of David Bailey in the portal, the potential for a second opportunity for the Fighting Irish to land this talented edge rusher is a storyline worth exploring.

David Bailey: A Rising Star in the Edge Rusher Position

Before we dive into the potential implications of Bailey’s decision to enter the portal, it’s important to recognize the skill set and potential that Bailey brings to the table. A product of the 2021 recruiting class, Bailey came to Stanford highly touted as a pass-rusher with a strong blend of speed, power, and football IQ. At 6’4″ and around 250 pounds, he has the size and athleticism that teams covet from edge defenders, and his ability to rush the passer and disrupt offenses has been evident in his performances for the Cardinal.

Bailey’s college career has been marked by flashes of brilliance. He showcased his potential during his time at Stanford, earning significant playing time early in his career. In his time with the Cardinal, Bailey developed as a strong edge rusher with the ability to pressure the quarterback, collapse the pocket, and make plays in key situations. Although his sack numbers may not have reached the elite level that some NFL scouts would have hoped for, his ability to disrupt the quarterback’s rhythm, pressure the pocket, and make key tackles for loss highlighted his potential.

Bailey’s physical tools are what make him such an intriguing prospect in the transfer portal. His combination of size, speed, and burst off the line of scrimmage makes him a natural fit for a team looking to upgrade its pass rush. His experience in the Pac-12, where offenses tend to be more pass-heavy and fast-paced, has prepared him for the next level. In short, Bailey has the traits of an edge rusher who could make an immediate impact at his next stop, whether that be in the NFL or at a top-tier college football program.

The Notre Dame Connection: A Past Recruitment Story

The story of David Bailey and Notre Dame goes back to the recruiting cycle of 2021, when he was still in high school and one of the top defensive prospects in his class. At the time, Bailey was being courted by several programs, and Notre Dame was one of the schools that expressed significant interest. The Fighting Irish have long prided themselves on their ability to develop talent along the defensive line, and the coaching staff saw Bailey as a player who could make an immediate impact in their defense. With his combination of strength, speed, and potential, he was a player the Irish coaching staff would have loved to add to their roster.

However, despite the mutual interest, Bailey ultimately chose to commit to Stanford, where he felt he could develop in a program that fit his style of play and academic ambitions. His time with the Cardinal, while not necessarily defined by immediate dominance, showcased his potential. In his time at Stanford, Bailey was able to develop as both a pass rusher and a run defender, learning from the coaching staff and gaining invaluable experience at the collegiate level.

Now, with his decision to enter the portal, the door has opened once again for Notre Dame to potentially add Bailey to its roster. Given the connections the Irish had with him in the past, the opportunity for the Fighting Irish to re-recruit Bailey is an intriguing possibility that could greatly benefit their defensive line.

What Would David Bailey Bring to Notre Dame’s Defense?

Notre Dame’s defense under head coach Marcus Freeman has seen a noticeable shift in terms of its style and approach. Freeman, known for his aggressive defensive philosophies and ability to adapt to modern offensive trends, has emphasized the need for athletic, dynamic playmakers along the defensive front. Notre Dame has become known for its high-quality defensive line play in recent years, but the addition of a pass rusher like Bailey could take the defense to new heights.

1. Immediate Impact on the Pass Rush

The most immediate benefit of adding David Bailey to Notre Dame’s defense would be his ability to impact the pass rush. With his quick burst off the edge, he would bring an element of speed and athleticism to the Fighting Irish defense that could be a game-changer in terms of getting after opposing quarterbacks. Notre Dame’s defense in recent years has been solid, but adding a player like Bailey would give the defensive line an added dimension in terms of speed and pressure.

Bailey could complement the existing pass rushers on the roster, adding another layer to the defensive scheme. His ability to disrupt quarterbacks and collapse the pocket could be the difference in tight games, especially when facing high-powered offenses.

2. Versatility and Depth

One of the major benefits of a player like Bailey is his versatility. As a hybrid edge rusher, Bailey has experience lining up in both stand-up and hand-in-the-dirt positions. This makes him a valuable asset in a variety of defensive schemes. He could line up as a traditional defensive end or be used in passing situations where he’s tasked with rushing the quarterback from a two-point stance.

In addition, his ability to drop into coverage when necessary makes him an even more valuable asset. As offenses continue to evolve and defensive schemes become more complex, having players who can play multiple roles is critical. Bailey’s versatility would give defensive coordinator Al Golden the flexibility to use him in a variety of situations, whether that’s rushing the quarterback on third downs or dropping into coverage on passing downs.

The depth that Bailey would bring to Notre Dame’s edge rusher position cannot be understated. The Fighting Irish have several talented players along the defensive line, but Bailey would provide an experienced, proven option that could bolster the team’s rotation. This depth is essential over the course of a grueling season, as injuries and fatigue can take their toll on even the best defensive units. Adding a player like Bailey would give Notre Dame the depth to keep fresh legs on the field and increase its overall defensive performance.

3. Leadership and Experience

Another factor that could play a role in the re-recruitment of David Bailey is his experience and leadership. Having spent time in the Pac-12 at Stanford, Bailey has faced high-level competition and developed a strong understanding of the game. His ability to contribute to team success goes beyond just making plays on the field. His experience in a power-five conference and his knowledge of defensive schemes could make him a valuable leader in the locker room and on the field.

A player like Bailey, with his work ethic and high football IQ, could play a pivotal role in helping younger players develop and adjust to the demands of playing at a high level in the Big Ten. With Notre Dame’s defensive unit constantly evolving, Bailey’s leadership and experience would help keep the defense focused and motivated throughout the season.

Could Notre Dame Land David Bailey?

As the transfer portal has become an increasingly important factor in college football recruiting, Notre Dame has positioned itself as one of the programs that can consistently attract top-tier talent from the portal. The Fighting Irish have been aggressive in their pursuit of transfer players, and with their strong defensive pedigree and culture of development, Notre Dame is well-equipped to make a run at landing a player like Bailey.

Given the previous connection between Bailey and Notre Dame, it’s not out of the question that the Fighting Irish could successfully re-recruit him. There are several factors that could make Notre Dame an attractive option for Bailey:

• Winning Culture: Notre Dame has consistently been a national contender, and joining a program that competes for major bowl games and national championships could be a significant factor in Bailey’s decision.
• Defensive Development: Under Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame’s defense has evolved into one of the top units in college football, and the chance to develop further in Freeman’s system could be an enticing opportunity for Bailey.
• Immediate Opportunity: With the current state of Notre Dame’s roster, there could be an immediate opportunity for Bailey to step in and make an impact. Given the Fighting Irish’s need for a dynamic edge rusher, Bailey could find a prominent role in their defensive line rotation from day one.