Tennessee quarterback commit Harrison Bailey has put up some huge numbers on the field over the last couple seasons, and he got his senior year at Marietta off to a dominating start on Thursday night.
Marietta opened up their 2019 season by taking on 5A powerhouse Rome High School. Rome has won a state title two of the last three years, but they were no match for Marietta, who plays in the highest classification of Georgia high school football. Bailey, who is a four-star and the No. 130 overall prospect in the 247Sports Composite rankings, was superb in Marietta’s season opener, and one of Tennessee’s top targets in the 2020 recruiting class also had a big day.
Bailey finished 19-of-30 for 367 yards and five touchdowns against Rome, leading Marietta to a 48-14 blowout victory in the Corky Kell Classic. Marietta was up 27-0 at halftime, and Bailey and the loaded roster at Marietta were able to cruise in the second half.
One of the biggest knocks on Bailey’s game throughout the camp circuit has been his footwork and mobility. He showed off some improved movement on Thursday, scrambling a couple times and avoiding pressure more effectively. As you can see in the video captured by our associates at Vol Recruiting Reports — who were at the Corky Kell Classic to bring you first-hand coverage — Bailey ripped off a solid gain on a scramble early in the contest.
Harrison Bailey showing off the wheels on that run @HBailey_05 picks up a big first down pic.twitter.com/M7CGU18FrR
— Vol Recruiting Reports (@_VR2_) August 23, 2019
But it wasn’t just Bailey who stood out.
Bailey’s top target on the night was none other than Arik Gilbert, the five-star tight end/wide receiver who is high on Tennessee’s recruiting board. Gilbert hauled in nine passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns.
Tennessee’s four-star QB commit looked for Gilbert time and time again, including on a big third down and 22 at one point. Bailey connected with Gilbert, and the big 6-foot-5, 253-pound athlete helped convert for a first down.
3rd and 22… no problem for @HBailey_05. Always in control. Finds @arik_gilbert for the pick up pic.twitter.com/Ip1NBBQqyL
— Vol Recruiting Reports (@_VR2_) August 23, 2019
Bailey also had a well-placed pass to Gilbert in the back of the end zone for a touchdown (and Gilbert grabbed it with one hand), and he threw a dart over the middle to Gilbert for a first down, fitting the pass in a tight window.
Arik Gilbert @arik_gilbert nothing more……. pic.twitter.com/bYrGzkB6fh
— Vol Recruiting Reports (@_VR2_) August 23, 2019
Nice grab through the contact by the @arik_gilbert pic.twitter.com/fDEXUexfjp
— Vol Recruiting Reports (@_VR2_) August 23, 2019
But Bailey isn’t the only Vol commit on Marietta’s roster.
BJ Ojulari announced his commitment to Tennessee a week ago during a ceremony at Marietta High School, and he was effective on both sides of the ball for the Blue Devils. He totaled seven tackles and a pass break up on defense and played on the offensive line as well. Ojulari helped the offensive line protect Bailey, as the four-star quarterback was only sacked once during the game.
According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Ojulari is the No. 158 overall prospect and No. 10 weak-side defensive end in the 2020 class.
Marietta will be back on the field for their second game of the season next Friday, August 30th. They’ll host St. Joseph’s from Philadelphia at 7:30 PM Eastern.
