12/29/2002 football Edit

Tampa DT visits out West

Dave Peters

Publisher

Jonathan Bailes, one of the top defensive tackles in the state, was one of the main forces on the defense for Tampa (Fla.) Jefferson this season. He helped lead the Dragons to the Class 4A State championship game. Now that his season his over for the 6-foot-1 and 315 pound standout, Rivals.com caught up with him to discuss his recruitment.

“I took a trip to San Diego State on December 13th”, Bailes, who registered 85 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss and 10 sacks, said. “I did a lot of things like talked to the defensive line coach, checked out the city and hung out with the players.”

Bailes rated his visit out West as a seven on a scale from one to ten.

The Jefferson high school senior has San Diego State at the top of his list.

“I liked the way San Diego State approached me,” he said. “They want me to come in and play right away.”

Up next for him in January will probably be visits to Kentucky and Mississippi State.

“I don’t have visit dates set up with Kentucky or Mississippi State yet,” he said.

“Kentucky and Mississippi State are in the SEC which is big-time football.”

Expect Bailes to make a decision on signing day February 5th.