Recruiting Spotlight: DeSoto QB DJ Bailey is a Proven Winner with a Cannon for an Arm

DJ Bailey (Photo By: Greg Powers)

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DeSoto 2024 QB Darius "DJ" Bailey (5'10, 190) was one of the state's most productive and consistent throwers in 2022. 

Bailey helped lead the Eagles to a 6A Division II state championship win, completing 67% of his passes for 3,840 yards and 45 touchdowns while only throwing two interceptions. 

"It felt real great, man," Bailey said. "The most important thing was to see Coach Mathis win the state championship because he'd been wanting it all his life. Going through 16 weeks of practicing real hard, running out to practice, you know, getting your extra work in to go to the state championship. It (all) really paid off."

The coaches at DeSoto will be the first to tell you that Bailey puts in the work off the field to be a winner on it. 

"Watching a lot of film," Bailey said when asked how he sets himself up for success. "Watching a whole lot of film, I get to learn defenses more, you know, to keep me from throwing any interceptions, period. I didn't even want to throw one, so two is the best they got out of me."

For inspiration, Bailey looks to Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray, who won three state titles playing Texas high school football. 

"I'm a big fan of Kyler Murray," Bailey said. "I've been watching Kyler Murray since he was at Allen. He won three state championships in a row, never lost a game in high school. I really look up to him because Kyler Murray was a great quarterback. He had all the records. He won three state championship rings (and he is) in the NFL right now balling."

Scouting Report: Bailey is a QB with a strong arm and can dial up the fastball. Quite simply, he has a cannon. He is strong in the RPO game, making good reads and getting the ball out quickly, and displays above-average accuracy at all ranges. Bailey is a leader on and off the field, showing a high football IQ and commanding the offense, which was backed up by his stats, efficiency, and win-loss record. Some colleges may balk at his height, but it should not be a huge concern as he checks every other box. 

On the recruiting front, Bailey recently added new offers from Lamar, Sam Houston and Weber State -- who joined Austin Peay on his growing list. 

"They (offers) don't stop anything about my working hard," Bailey said. "I still got to go out there and work hard. I got to show up on time. I still got to be a leader inside and outside the classroom."

Bailey is rated as a DCTF three-star prospect. 

 

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