Stanford football: 3 second-year players who'll become stars in 2023

Stanford football: 3 second-year players who’ll become stars in 2023

STANFORD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 05: Nakia Watson #25 of the Washington State Cougars runs with the ball pursued by David Bailey #23 of the Stanford Cardinal during the second quarter of an NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium on November 05, 2022 in Stanford, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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PALO ALTO, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Edge rusher David Bailey #23 of the Stanford Cardinal pursues during an NCAA college football game against the BYU Cougars on November 26, 2022 at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images) /

Like Ernest Cooper, David Bailey was one of the top recruits in Stanford’s 2022 class and he was actually the Cardinal’s No. 1 guy.

And he played like it.
You may make the argument that Bailey already became a star, but I think we’ve barely even seen what he’s capable of. He finished seventh on the team with 43 tackles and he was first with 7.5 tackles for loss. He also had a sack and two forced fumbles to cap off a really solid freshman year.

Under a new coaching staff, Bailey is going to have an absolute breakout campaign. He should be the starting edge rusher in 2023 and he will probably be the most talented player on Troy Taylor’s defense in year one.

While Bailey was really good as a freshman and had a Freshman All-American-like season, he could legitimately be a true All-American in 2023. He’s that good.

Next. Way-too-early Top 25 projections for 2023. dark

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