Some football players have knowledge you just can’t coach while others are born with athletic talent before they ever lift a weight. Elkmont’s Jared Bailey exhibits both those qualities and is recognized as one of the top athletes in the state by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.

Bailey was named to the Class 4A first team all-state team as an athlete and to the second team as a safety.

“He’s a good athlete, but he also has good football-sense,” said Holt. “He has a lot of that. He’s always worked hard and paid attention, particularly on defense. He had to replace a couple of really good linebackers and he learned along the way and did the best he could.”

Bailey literally almost never left the field this season. In addition to starting on offense and defense, Bailey was the upback on extra points, covered kickoffs and kickoff returns and punts.

“You name it, he did it,” said Holt. “A lot of times, he needed a break, but we needed him too badly on the field. On special teams, you can’t afford to take plays off and he was always out there.”

Bailey was the heartbeat of a team that went 8-3 and finished third in 4A Region 8. The fourth-year starter had 66 tackles, a sack, fumble recovery and six interceptions in Elkmont’s first season competing in 4A.

“A lot of times on third and long, we would move him to safety,” said Holt. “He’s athletic and can help cover the pass. He’s pretty much played both ways for the past three years. He never took a break on defense.”

Bailey started for the Red Devils since ninth grade, playing on defense for the varsity team as far back as eighth grade. For the past two years, Bailey has anchored the defense at middle linebacker.

“I remember him being solid for them going back when he was younger,” said West Limestone head coach Jordan Cantrell. “He was a very good player.”

The 5-10, 195-pound senior lined up at fullback most of the time in Elkmont’s Wing-T offense. Set directly behind the quarterback, Bailey was often the back that carried out misdirection on running plays.

“We kind of used him where we needed him on offense,” said Holt. “He started that first game at quarterback, but was so worn out after that. He did a good job at fullback for most of the year.”

Splitting carries with Mike Tucker, Zeb Pankey and Eli Hobbs, Bailey ran for 683 yards on 101 carries with 11 touchdowns. Bailey also threw three passes on trick plays with two of them going for touchdowns and led the team with 14 catches for 239 yards and a touchdown.

Bailey is the first Elkmont player to receive first team all-state honors since 2009.