Player Profile: Matthew Bailey
By Joe Winkel @JoeTheShowQCSN
When asking Moline Head Coach Mike Morrissey about what his star player Matthew Bailey brings to the table for his ball club, the first thing he said might have been the most intriguing.
“His credibility comes to the table immediately.”
Credibility is an interesting word choice, especially when describing a football player. But take a moment to examine the work, on and off the field, that Matthew Bailey puts in then it is easy to see why that is the right word to choose.
“He does the right thing off the field, and when he steps on he is one of our best players.” is what Coach Morrissey said about Bailey when asked about him standing out amongst everyone else. “He does things the right way.”
When it comes to Moline superstar Mattthew Bailey, the right way is taken in a multitude of ways. Whether it’s being a lead by example player on the field, his commitment to compete with being a multi-sport athlete and always in the weight room, or his stellar work ethic in the classroom, Bailey sets the standard for himself high as well as his teammates. “When it comes to teammates, I try to find the ones who are willing to work and get better every single day.” Bailey, and this Moline team, are committed to getting better and competing for a conference championship in 2021.
In the spring Bailey was at the top of the WB6 in receiving yards and was an impact player on both sides. Anytime the ball was in his hands there was a chance something big was on the horizon, or anytime on defense a play came his way he would be the first one in to make the opposition feel it. Offensively, the Maroons did a multitude of things to get 7 in Maroon and White the ball. From throwing deep his way, to lining him up under center at QB and letting him go full “Mike Vick Madden 04” mode. Bailey changed games with his presence. “We are going to do things to get him the ball.” is what Morrissey said about how they tend to use Matthew on offense this season. When Moline has possession, make sure to find out where 7 is lined up because he might just be one second away from turning a game on its head.
As impressive as he is on offense, Morrissey and Bailey both rave about the defensive side of the game. “Defensively he is just so aggressive from the safety position…he is going to come down hill and he brings it.” Morrissey proclaimed about Matthew’s ability in the secondary. He also stated the football IQ of Bailey is top notch. “He understands what he is doing, he always reads his keys and is in the right place all the time” Bailey commented on his knowledge of the game and how it has progressed over the years by saying, “Playing football as a QB helped me learn DB and WR as well…I knew what coverages the defense was doing and how to beat those coverages so as a DB I know how the QB is thinking and how they are trying to beat me. As a WR, I know where the QB wants me to be for me to be open.”
Bailey is clearly talented on both sides of the ball, but what does he prefer? Both him and his head coach know that Bailey loves to make the opposition feel it, “He only weighs 185-190 pounds, but he brings it.” Morrissey said of Bailey’s defensive aggression. “It is exciting when you have a guy like him because he can make up for so many things and cover so much ground on the defensive end.” Bailey smiled and gushed at the mention of defense being his favorite position, “as a DB I love coming down and hitting people…it’s the best mindset to have.” It is a terrifying thought when someone as talented as him actually enjoys inflicting punishment on the opponent. Look for Bailey to make all of those moments count this season.
Bailey is only getting better, and with Moline looking to regain their seat at the head of the Big 6 table success will come with players like Bailey leading the way. With multiple Division 1 offers on the table, this won’t be the final few months of his football career. On and off the field Bailey is a prime example of what can happen when you dedicate your craft and just be determined to get better every day. Expect this season to be a culmination for the conference’s newest star, but most importantly it will be great to see him be happy sharing those moments with his coaches and teammates as one of the league’s best leaders. Bailey fits perfectly the “Total Effort” mantra that Mike Morrissey has stamped out at Moline since day 1 of his coaching tenure. And with that effort, Bailey has proven in a very short time that he is the one at the top of the hill in the Big 6. There are a great number of fantastic players in the Western Big 6, and all will have their moment in the spotlight, but it is only fitting that the season is kicked off by Matthew Bailey, because when it comes to the WB6, Bailey is at the head of the table.