Emani Bailey made his presence felt throughout the spring for TCU football
Emani Bailey called it a family decision.
Bailey joined the TCU football program as a transfer out of Louisiana this offseason and, less than an hour later, his little brother Jordyn announced his commitment to the Horned Frogs’ 2023 recruiting class.
The Bailey brothers will be teammates for the 2023 season. Emani is a running back; Jordyn is a wide receiver.
“What brought me to TCU was a family decision. I get a chance to play with my little brother coming in,” Bailey said. “It’s a blessing in disguise. I can’t be more thankful to come back home and play football where it all started.”
Before Jordyn arrives on campus, TCU fans should get used to hearing Emani Bailey’s name. It’s expected to be called often this upcoming season.
During Friday night’s spring game, Bailey shined with two first-down runs on a series that produced a touchdown on a shovel pass from Max Duggan to Quentin Johnston.
Prior to the score, Bailey rushed for 5 yards to pick up a first down on a second-and-2 from the opposing 45-yard line. On the next play, Bailey rushed 11 yards for another first down. A few plays later, Bailey had a 10-yard reception on a screen out of the backfield.
At 5-foot-8, 197 pounds, Bailey is a shifty threat out of the backfield. He’s got the agility to make plays in the open field but also isn’t afraid to run between the tackles.
“I like to think I’m an all-around back,” Bailey said. “I do what I can to help the team win. I’ve got speed, agility, able to pass block and catch out of the backfield, so basically do whatever makes a complete back.”
Bailey was part of a three-man running back rotation last season at Louisiana. He finished with 642 yards rushing and eight touchdowns on 102 carries (6.3 yards per carry). Bailey’s best games came late in the season with a 117-yard performance against Appalachian State on Dec. 4 and then a 94-yard, two-TD game against Marshall in the New Orleans Bowl.
Bailey is expected to become another complementary back in TCU’s backfield alongside the likes of Kendre Miller, Emari Demercado, Trent Battle and Daimarqua Foster.
Miller and third-string quarterback Sam Jackson tied for the longest runs of the night at 15 yards but Bailey made his presence felt.
Bailey had nothing but good things to say about new running backs coach Anthony Jones and the excitement about where the program is headed with the new staff.
“(The spring game) was great. I love the energy that was brought,” Bailey said. “Just amazing competition on both sides of the ball. I loved it.”
This story was originally published April 27, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
