Champ Bailey going to NFL
Posted: Monday January 04, 1999 08:44 PM
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Bailey led Georgia with 1,138 all-purpose yards and ranked second with 47 pass receptions, accounting for 744 yards and five touchdowns Vincent Laforet/Allsport |
ATHENS, Ga. (AP) -- All-American Champ Bailey, who starred at receiver and cornerback for the Georgia Bulldogs, filed paperwork Monday with the NFL to enter the draft a year early.
The decision was expected. Coach Jim Donnan said prior to the Peach Bowl that he thought Bailey was playing his final game for the Bulldogs, who closed the season with a 35-33 victory over Virginia on New Year's Eve.
The 6-foot-1, 186-pound junior turned in a typical performance in his final game for Georgia, taking part in 113 plays on offense, defense and special teams.
Hoke Wilder, the school's compliance officer, filed the necessary papers on Bailey's behalf. The deadline for underclassmen to enter the NFL draft is Friday.
Bailey, who finished seventh in Heisman Trophy balloting and won the Bronko Nagurski Award as the nation's top defensive player, took part in more than 100 plays in six of the last seven games during the regular season.
He led the team with 1,138 all-purpose yards and ranked second with 47 pass receptions, accounting for 744 yards and five touchdowns. In the secondary, teams rarely threw in Bailey's direction but he still managed three interceptions and 10 passes broken up, earning first-team All-America honors at cornerback.
"The first thing I want to do is thank the Georgia fans for their great support during my three years and let them know I will always be a Bulldog," Bailey said. "I also want to thank coach Donnan, who helped me be the best player I can be. He was very supportive of my decision and told me he wanted what was best for me and my family."
He is the first underclassman to leave Georgia early for the NFL since Garrison Heart and Andre Hastings entered the draft in 1993. Bailey is expected to be one of the top 10 selections, though NFL scouts are divided over his best position.
"Some like him better on offense and as a kick returner," Donnan said. "I would say that more than likely he'll play corner at the next level. Guys like him are like dinosaurs. You can't find guys that can cover like him. Look at all the people he's covered over the last two years, and he's blanketed them."
Bailey is one of three brothers who have played for the Bulldogs. Ronald, also a cornerback, was at Georgia from 1994-97, while Boss just completed his freshman season at linebacker.
Champ Bailey already has hired Atlanta lawyer Jack Reale as his agent. Reale also represents Georgia Tech coach George O'Leary, Detroit Lions coach Bobby Ross and Carolina Panthers kicker John Kasay, who formerly played for the Bulldogs.
Bailey said he will remain in school this semester to continue pursuing a degree in psychology and compete for Georgia during the indoor track season.
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