The 2023 season is close, and Rutgers deserves more hype. With that, it should be talked about, which Rutgers player to watch this season. On the defensive line is Wesley Bailey, a Junior on this Scarlet Knights team. This defense is stacked, but Bailey showed many signs last year that he will become a great player. Every fan of Rutgers should expect him to make a huge jump in this coming season. Here is a look at why Bailey is the Rutgers player to watch, and what to expect in the 2023 season.
Wesley Bailey Stats
Rutgers DL Wesley Bailey (23) – Rich Schultz/Getty Images
Bailey has been with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights since 2020, though he did not play until 2021. Even that season, he only played in three games. While of course, three games are not enough to judge the player, he did have 1.5 tackles for loss and one sack, according to Sports Reference. He also had one pass deflection. No, this is not a lot, but when understanding that he only played in three games, that is impressive. It demonstrated that he just needs a chance.
In 2022, Wesley finally got his chance. He played in all 12 games in the season, and he made his name known to those who watch Rutgers football. In 12 games, Bailey had 30 combined tackles, 18 of which were solo, and eight tackles for loss. He also had 3.5 sacks, two pass deflections, and three fumble recoveries. This was Bailey’s jump in just one season. He is a big-time Rutgers player and will be the top player to watch in 2023.
Maybe the most notable play by Bailey was against Indiana on October 22nd. Wesley put so much pressure on the Indiana quarterback, Connor Bazelak, that he ended up trying to throw the ball away. In doing so, he threw it right to the Rutgers defensive back, Christian Braswell. Brasswell returned the interception for a pick-six. The play can be watched here, posted by Big Ten Football on YouTube. While everyone would have loved to see Bailey get the sack and force the safety, the pick-six did give the Scarlet Knights more points.
Rutgers DL Wesley Bailey (23), and LB Tyreem Powell (22) – AP Photo/Jay LaPrete
What to Expect from the Rutgers Player
Now that we looked back on Bailey’s time with the Scarlet Knights, it is time to look at what to expect and why he is the Rutgers player to watch in 2023. The jump between 2021 and 2022 is important to look at. Of course, the sample size in 2021 is small; Bailey is evidently hard-working. Now, the defensive lineman will be heading into his second consecutive year playing in every game. Of course, this is if he remains healthy.
Rutgers had such a strong defense. There will be multiple returning players in the back, such as defensive back Kessawn Abraham. The defensive line is fairly younger, especially considering Bailey only began playing in every game just a year ago and is a Junior. Bailey will get a chance to step up as a leader in a way he was not able to last year. Senior defensive lineman, Mayan Ahanotu, will also be an important presence. Together, the two Rutgers players can help the younger players grow in their position, and make it easier on the Scarlet Knights’ defensive backs.
2023 Statistical Predictions
When it comes to the 2023 season, it can definitely be expected that Bailey’s stats will grow; hence him being the Rutgers player to watch. The lineman had eight tackles for loss in 2022, and in 2023 he will have closer to 15. As for sacks, he only had 3.5, but in 2023, Bailey will have at least eight. More would be great of course. Bailey is quick on his feet despite his size. In 2022 he had two pass deflections and three fumble recoveries. While the recoveries will be difficult to predict, definitely expect more pass deflections, which will be important for the Scarlet Knights.
Hopefully, Bailey will contribute to more turnovers and more wins for Rutgers next year. The 2023 season for the Scarlet Knights will begin September third against Northwestern. Wesley Bailey will definitely be a Rutgers player to watch as he helps get the team into a Bowl game this year.
