| | |
|
Bailey's versatility gives Virginia fits
Posted: Sunday December 27, 1998 07:07 PM
ATLANTA (AP) -- Georgia's Champ Bailey provides a different wrinkle for 12th-ranked Virginia to be concerned about in the Peach Bowl game -- one of those rare situations where they'll have to face a player both on offense and defense. "I don't see how he does it," Virginia coach George Welsh said Sunday at the first Peach Bowl news conference leading up to the New Year's Eve game in the Georgia Dome. "I think it's remarkable that he can do that," Welsh said. Bailey, an All-American defensive back who was in on 52 tackles and had three interceptions for the 19th-ranked Bulldogs this season, was in on 100 or more plays in six games this season. He also had a big offensive impact on a team that lost its top three offensive stars from last year -- quarterback Mike Bobo, running back Robert Edwards and leading receiver Hines Ward. Bailey had 16 carries for 84 yards and caught 47 passes for 744 yards and four touchdowns. He also returned 12 kickoffs for 261 yards and four punts for 49. Welsh says he's had some experience with players going both ways, but he always was worried about the next game if one got in on 90 plays. "The speed of the game is one thing," Welsh said. "But it's the hitting factor. I know he was a cornerback, but he did some hitting. Then he was getting hit on offense. You also have a lot of learn. I don't know how you can fit in the practice time." Welsh was asked if Bailey's presence might force the Cavaliers to concentrate on him. "They have so many different formations," the Virginia coach said. "It's hard to key on him. He's not the quarterback and he's not the tailback." Bailey, appearing earlier at the hour-long bowl news conference, said there's no secret to being a two-way player. "You go out there and just play," he said. Bailey spent all of his playing time defensively in his freshman year and became a two-way player on a limited basis in 1997, rushing for 15 yards and catching 12 passes for 234. Of his junior season, Bailey said, "I didn't think I'd be as productive on offense. On defense, I wish I could have done more. I feel I should have been out there a little more."
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Copyright © 1999 CNN/SI. A Time Warner Company. Terms under which this service is provided to you.
| |||||||||||||||||||||
