The Stanford Cardinal shocked the college football world when they fired their head coach, Troy Taylor, just ahead of Spring Ball beginning. In terms of football, this could have a positive impact on the UCLA Bruins, as with the change of a head coach, players of the program have a 30-day window to enter the transfer portal.
So Stanford players were allowed to enter to portal ahead of the spring portal window opening. One of those players is EDGE/LB David Bailey. He is considered the top player in the transfer portal right now, and per Bruin Report Online, he is scheduled to be in Westwood today for a visit to UCLA.
David Bailey Set To Visit UCLA Bruins
The 6’3, 240-pound linebacker grew up in Irvine, California, and went to Mater Dei High School. He was one of the top recruits in the 2021 class and someone that the UCLA Bruins (and USC) recruited hard before ultimately losing out to Stanford.
At the time of his recruitment, he was the 3rd-ranked EDGE in the nation, the No. 2 overall player in California, and the 34th-ranked overall player in the Country, per 247 Sports.
In 3 seasons at Stanford, he has registered 111 total tackles, and last season he had a career high 7 sacks and 5 forced fumbles.
Bailey just wrapped up a trip to Texas, and as it stands, the rumor is that Texas Tech is heavily favored to land a commitment. However, a visit with the UCLA Bruins can certainly change that.
This would be a huge win for DeShaun Foster and his staff if they can land Bailey right as Spring Practices are kicking off. Losing an EDGE threat like Femi Oladejo is a huge hole to fill, but a player of Bailey’s caliber has the ability to do so.