Emani

Bailey

Bailey (5’7/202) enters the draft with mediocre production until his final college season. He began his college career at Louisiana, spending two seasons with the Ragin Cajuns. After a sophomore season with 642 rushing yards for eight touchdowns and 153 receiving yards, Bailey transferred to TCU. His junior year entailed just 31 carries, but he became TCU’s lead back as a senior, totaling 1,209 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. Bailey is a short back who ran a 4.61 40-yard dash at the combine, making for a subpar athletic profile. However, his patience as a runner and value as a backfield target can give him a committee role in the NFL. With Jerick McKinnon currently unsigned, there is a small opening for Bailey to carve out a role on KC’s roster.

Bailey (5'8/201) put in a healthy amount of work for Louisiana in 2021, totaling 103 carries for 640 yards (6.2 yards per carry) and eight touchdowns on the year. A former three-star running back from the 2020 recruiting class, Bailey proved himself to be deserving of a Power Five offer in 2021 after receiving just three offers during his initial recruiting process according to 247Sports.com. Bailey’s commitment to TCU could lessen the pain of losing running back Zach Evans, who committed to Ole Miss just days before Bailey announced his commitment to TCU.

Bailey (5'8/201) filled in more than admirably for starting running back Chris Smith. He was excellent in this game, especially in the fourth quarter. Bailey scored from four yards out to take the lead by one. On the final drive, Bailey took the game into his hands, running the ball six-straight times for 52 yards and a touchdown to put the game out of reach. Bailey finished the season with 642 yards and eight touchdowns and should give the Ragin’ Cajuns a dynamic duo moving forward with Montrell Johnson.

Bailey (5'8/201) was largely contained throughout this one, but break loose when it mattered most. Early in the fourth quarter, with the Ragin’ Cajuns up 17-10, Bailey took a run up the middle for a 35-yard touchdown, evading several tacklers on his way to giving ULL a two-score lead. His touchdown would prove to be just enough for The Ragin’ Cajuns to be named Sun Belt champions for the first time in school history, as they held on late for a 24-16 win to secure a conference title. Bailey has now rushed 85 times for 548 yards and six touchdowns, as he and ULL will now prepare for their bowl game to close out the season.

Bailey (5'8/201) missed last week against Texas State, and will be out again this week as he continues to deal with a lower body injury. On the season, Bailey has rushed 45 times for 310 yards and three touchdowns. Bailey has been a part of a three-headed rushing attack for the Ragin’ Cajuns this season, running behand backs Chris Smith and Montrell Johnson. After this week, ULL won’t play again until November 13th at Troy.

Bailey (5'8/201) rushed four times for 27 yards before departing from Louisiana’s 28-27 victory over Arkansas State last Thursday. He had been on a three game scoring streak heading into the contest, but had the streak snapped due to the injury. Bailey has rushed 45 times for 310 yards, 6.9 YPC and three touchdowns while securing seven passes for 54 receiving yards thus far. Chris Smith and Montrell Johnson sill handle most if not all of the rushing load this Saturday vs. Texas State.

The Ragin’ Cajuns went heavily on the ground as the rainy conditions left the passing game ineffective. Bailey (5'8"/201) earned his 14-yard touchdown, he bulldozed up the middle, hitting the line of scrimmage, shed a tackle, and fell into the end zone as two South Alabama defenders fell on top of him. Louisiana-Lafayette will host Appalachian State on Oct. 12.