Photo by Robby Newport, Down Home Portraits |
The Elkmont Red Devils had a great season last fall, with a 8-3 record and a playoff appearance. At this time, three of the Red Devils have been offered opportunities to play at the next level. Two of them have signed, Joshua Carter who will be playing at the University of Jamestown in North Dakota and Jared Bailey at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky. The third Red Devil is still in the decision process.
Bailey inked his letter of intent during the flurry of national signing day with the UC Patriots. The Patriots are an NAIA school and are aligned with the Mid-South Conference.
The 4A first team all state, two way starter, was one the reasons for Elkmont's outstanding season. On defense, he accounted for 66 tackles and six interceptions. He also returned kicks and accounted for more than 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns, including 683 rushing yards.
“The leadership and the role he played on both sides of the ball will be missed,” said Elkmont head coach Sean Holt. “The whole senior class was good at that, but especially him. The impact he had on both sides of the ball is going to be hard to replace.”
Jared visited the University of the Cumberlands located in Williamsburg, Kentucky last month.
He was so impressed with the coaches and their enthusiasm for the program! Not only were the coaches interested in Jared as a player, but wanted to help him develop as a quality student and young man. The athletic facilities, especially the new weight room, at the University were impressive. The beautiful campus and surrounding area are nestled in the foothills of the eastern Kentucky mountains with friendly people who made Jared feel at home. All of these things helped him to decide that he wanted to be a UC Patriot.
Bailey hopes to be utilized on the defensive side of the ball, but when he was asked where he would like to play, he told the coaches he would like to play wherever they felt was the best place for him. Jared hopes to become an integral part of this wonderful program and earn a degree from this highly respected university. He and his family are excited about what the future holds for him. They are looking forward to next fall! Go Patriots!
The University of the Cumberlands is a private, liberal arts college located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, with an enrollment of approximately 4,200 students. The school, known as Cumberland College until January 7, 2005, is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention, the Kentucky affiliate of the Southern Baptist Convention.