By Kellen Concentine — Staff Writer
A healthy Bailey Gaither is one of the best receivers in the Mountain West according to Coach Brent Brennan, with an emphasis on the word “healthy.”
Gaither was first in touchdown catches and second in yards for the team coming into Week 4 vs Hawai’i, but his season was cut short because of a torn achilles.
Last season, Gaither played in four games and started in the first three. He finished the year with 16 receptions for 327 yards and three touchdowns.
When asked how he felt after the first day of Fall Camp, Gaither said, “I feel good.” He’s just happy to be able to suit up and play the game he loves.
Gaither acknowledged the fact that no one is truly 100% throughout the season, but emphasized that he’s super excited for the home opener against Northern Colorado.
“Big plays, big plays, and more big plays” is what Gaither expects to see from himself and other wide receivers.
While he was out because of injury, Tre Walker began to standout as the number one wideout. Walker was the leading receiver with 714 yards and five touchdowns. Both of these returning starters are deep threats down the field, averaging over 18 yards per catch.
Gaither approaches each day of training camp with the same high level of intensity. His mindset is to always get better and make the players around him better as well. Gaither said he wants to win and is willing to do anything to help his team win this season.
Gaither has stepped up as a leader this season by using his knowledge of the college game to help incoming freshmen adapt.
“We’re getting each other better each and everyday,” Gaither said. “That’s all part of the process.”
An early season injury has not hurt Gaither’s confidence one bit. Through the first few days of practice he has shown coaches that he is still the number one receiver for San Jose State.
Expect a lot of deep balls to be thrown once Josh Love gets his best weapon back on Saturdays.
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