Markus Bailey – Noteworthy
Markus Bailey prefers to be on the field. Leading the defense. Guiding the linebackers. Improving his own game and helping those around the defense to move forward. But Bailey won’t return to the field, at least this spring. After undergoing hip/labrum surgery in January, the senior linebacker can only watch the Boilermakers during spring practice. But his absence could also be a blessing for a group desperate to build depth heading into the 2019 season.
“I would love to be out here doing spring ball with the guys, but it could be a positive to throw them in the fire now during spring ball so maybe they learn things they haven’t had to do since I was helping them out,” Bailey said Wednesday following the team’s second spring practice. Without Bailey, sophomore Jaylan Alexander is receiving more snaps. Without Bailey, redshirt freshman Jack Smith is seeing more playing time. Without Bailey, it allows redshirt freshman Jack Cravaack an opportunity to play a new position. Granted, even if Bailey was healthy and participating in spring practice, those players would be taking snaps but probably not as many. Bailey isn’t the only linebacker sidelined this spring. – Lafayette Journal & Courier