By Erik Harris
TRUSSVILLE – Bailey McElwain, Hewitt-Trussville’s All-Tribune linebacker, went camping last week and came home with a Pac-12 scholarship offer in hand.
The 6-foot Class of 2016 prospect attended Stanford’s football camp and impressed the Cardinal coaches enough to gain a scholarship offer from them.
He verbally committed to Stanford on Saturday, one day after receiving the scholarship offer.
“I talked to my mom on the way back from the trip and I just thought it was the best thing for me football wise and academically, so you can’t really get any better,” said McElwain.
McElwain was the Huskies’ second-leading tackler a season ago, recording 14 tackles for loss. The senior-to-be is expected to be a two-way player for the Huskies next season, staring at linebacker on defense and serving as a fullback on the other end. According to McElwain, Stanford offered him “mainly as a fullback.” This will be his first season contributing on the offensive side.
“[Stanford head coach David Shaw] said I’m the perfect size,” said McElwain, who has a 3.9 GPA. “He said my weight and height are really perfect for what they like. They just sent a fullback to the NFL that was the exact same height and weight as me. They think I fit perfect; I’ve got the footwork, the speed, the strength, so I fit in really well.”
The camp was held at Stanford’s practice facility in Palo Alto, Cal.
“It’s a lot different than stuff around here,” said McElwain of Stanford’s campus. “It’s more traditional and rich in culture. It’s really nice.”
Shaw is currently facing a shortage at the fullback position, which could give the upcoming senior an opportunity to play early in his college career.
“[Shaw] said they are really low at fullback right now and they need someone to come in and play, so I think that could be me,” said McElwain.
Despite his verbal pledge, McElwain plans on taking visits to other programs in the future.
“I don’t want to close my mind fully, but a commitment is a commitment,” he said.