East Hall senior Sterling Bailey has a remarkably upbeat attitude since having surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder, even though it means he'll almost certainly now redshirt next season with the University of Georgia football program.

"I'm feeling great, the surgery went well," said Bailey, regarding the surgery performed March 8 in Athens.

Bailey tore the labrum early in the football season in a game against West Hall, but put off surgery as long as possible so he could compete with the Vikings basketball program this season. 

As soon as the Vikings were eliminated in the basketball state quarterfinals against Greater Atlanta Christian, surgery was scheduled for the following week. 

According to Sterling's father, Kevin Bailey, he'll go for a follow up appointment on March 23. If all is healing properly, he'll start rehab work as soon as possible. 

When East Hall has spring break at the end of the month, Bailey will still use his time to go over to Athens during the day to view Bulldogs spring practice drills. After gradutation from high school, Bailey will move down to Athens on June 4, but will still be short of the expected four month recovery period before doing any football drills.

"I've been talking to some of the coaches, and they want me to get over during the day when I can to see the pace of practice," Sterling said. 

When summer camp begins in August, Bailey is prepared to be wearing a non-contact jersey, but that is a decision team doctors and coaches will make closer to that time.