Kaleb Bailey has had a successful and resilient experience with the North Shore Mustangs. He went through phases of being a newbie, getting hurt, regaining his reputation, and then being questioned.
Bailey remarked, “I simply thank my Lord and Savior for placing me in a position where I am the underdog.” He always got me through difficult times. After missing my sophomore season due to an injury, I just need to go out and play my game, and everything else will work itself out.
When Bailey had a severe ACL tear in a game against C.E. King in 2022, his ascent was unexpectedly cut short after a promising start to his sophomore season. The Mustangs fan base was taken aback by the injury, which happened just five games into the 2022–2023 season. Bailey was forced to watch from the sidelines as his team played without him.
The Mustangs showed incredible perseverance in the face of losing their best quarterback, going undefeated in the 6A Region III District 21 season and reaching the state championship game before losing to Duncanville 28–21.
Bailey claimed that having to observe from the sidelines was helping him grow both physically and emotionally. I simply had to go out there and lead by example, maintaining a positive attitude for my teammates and everyone else around me.
The injury marked a sea change for Bailey. He started a demanding recovery program, closely collaborating with trainer J.P. Tillman to regain his strength and agility, determined not to allow it to define his career.
Both recruiters and fans expressed skepticism. Would Bailey ever be the same person again? Could he restore the exceptional pocket skills that set him apart as a player?
In his junior season, Bailey responded to such inquiries with conviction. He not only made his comeback, but he did so with a bang. By throwing for 3,665 yards and 40 touchdowns, Bailey’s completion percentage was an astounding 72.36%. As a dual-threat quarterback, he also shown his ability by rushing for 12 touchdowns and 579 yards. His effort and leadership helped the Mustangs advance to the 6A Division I UIL state championship game at AT&T Stadium for a second consecutive year. However, Duncanville defeated the Mustangs 49–33 once more.
Playing my game was the only thing on my mind. Bailey advised, “Go out there and play hard, fast, and physical.”
Bailey, who was well-known for his arm strength and agility when analyzing defenses, demonstrated that he could outpace many slower opposing defenders on the field in addition to delivering the ball when necessary. His return season cemented his status as a premier dual-threat quarterback and as a player with a no-quit mentality and excellent football IQ.
Bailey put on a fantastic display in North Shore’s recent quarterfinal victory over Atascocita, rushing for 261 yards and passing for 202 yards. Two of his four touchdowns were on the ground and two were in the air.
While some fans see him at the quarterback position, others believe his athleticism could see him thrive at another position on the collegiate level. Bailey, however, remains unfazed by the chatter. His Twitter bio boldly declares, I love being the underdog; just makes me go harder, a testament to his relentless drive and determination.
I m a quarterback. Most definitely, I m a quarterback, but if they need me somewhere, I m a dog, I m an athlete, so I m going to go out there and do what I have to do to get on the field, said Bailey.
North Shore stands one game away from punching their ticket to the state game at AT&T Stadium. North Shore will take on Austin Westlake on Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. at Legacy Stadium.
About Kaleb Bailey:
Class:2025
IG:@Roccouttkb
Twitter:@Unexpectedkb9
Position:Quarterback
Height & weight:6-feet-2, 200 pounds
Favorite artist:VonOff1700
Status:uncommitted
Favorite subject:Reading