Dion Bailey, Junior, Linebacker, USC
Overview:
Bouncing back and forth between two positions is not usually ideal for a player's development. However, the moves may have been for the better in the case of Dion Bailey. Coming into USC as a safety, Bailey was moved to linebacker and started two years at that spot. Now, a move back to safety is on the horizon, partially due to the team's shift to a 3-4 defensive alignment. Rather than screwing up Bailey's game though, these switches make him one of the more versatile players in the conference. Being among the team leaders in tackles as a sophomore was an accomplishment eclipsed only by the fact that he led the Trojans in interceptions and tallied the second most picks in the country by a linebacker.
Final Projection:
A lot will depend on what team is interested in Dion Bailey's services at the next level. If a team sees him as a safety, he will be a good tackler for the position and can play well in run support but may not have the foot speed to cover receivers down field. If a team wants him as a linebacker, they know he can make plays over the middle and in defense of tight ends or backs out of the backfield but they may not be sold on his ability to fight off linemen. A successful return to the safety position as a junior will go a long way towards solidifying his stock.
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