Commit Alert! ATH Dacoven Bailey

Rutgers' 2016 recruiting class has gained another member, as athlete Dacoven Bailey has committed to the Scarlet Knights.

The news was first reported by Bailey's local newspaper on Monday night:

Pilot Point’s DaCoven Bailey commits to play football at Big 10’s Rutgers University, will sign Wednesday morning.

— Post-Signal (@postsignal) February 2, 2016

Bailey was on campus last weekend for an official visit, during which he received a scholarship offer from the coaching staff. On Sunday, Bailey revealed he would announce his decision on National Signing Day. After spending the final weekend before NSD at Rutgers and receiving the offer while on the banks, there was little doubt he would ultimately pledge to Rutgers.

At Pilot Point High School in Texas, Bailey lined up all over the field. On defense, he has worked as a safety, and has shown he is not afraid to go toe-to-toe with opposing receivers to contest deep balls. However, most of his snaps come on offense, where he lined up as a running back, wide receiver, and even an occasional Wildcat quarterback.

As a runner, Bailey shows an ability to follow his blockers, accelerating quickly once he reaches the second level for big gains. Even when he's swallowed up by the defense, he still keeps his legs moving to gain as much yardage as he can before going down. As a receiver, Bailey has reliable hands and good speed, showing a constant ability to make tacklers miss and burn corners in one-on-one coverage. Even when the ball doesn't go to him, he can also throw blocks.

Bailey is 6-0, 190, meaning he sizes up pretty well with current Scarlet Knights WR John Tsimis. Tsimis missed most of last season, but was a valuable reserve for Rutgers in 2014, where he caught 19 passes for 188 yards and three touchdowns for the Scarlet Knights.

Bailey wasn't heavily recruited, taking just one other official visit to Oklahoma State, and only receiving offers from Rutgers, Tarleton State and Central Oklahoma. But Ash and company seem to be less interested in his other offers and more interested in his fit with the Scarlet Knights. While wide receiver seems like the position Bailey will most likely contribute for Rutgers, he could wind up being a versatile gadget player in Drew Mehringer's new spread offense.

Welcome to the banks, Dacoven!