Interview: 2018 Paloma Valley LB Steve Bradshaw on Track for 220 Tackle Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If there is a position on the gridiron that can be summed up by the phrase “see ball, go get ball” it would be for linebackers. The main goal for an inside and/or outside linebacker is to stop the run and drop back into coverage to defend the pass, and of course punish the person with the ball for even trying to gain yards. The guy getting to the ball in prolific fashion for Paloma Valley High School to start the 2017 season is linebacker Steve Bradshaw.
Bradshaw’s ability to dominate and impact a game for Paloma Valley during his senior season in such a dramatic fashion was foreseen. During his sophomore season, he earned Sunbelt All-Conference honors after coming up with 89 tackles, 35 solo, 3 tackles for a loss, one pick, and one fumble recovery. The 2016 season was much of the same but also put in some time on offense getting three carries for 30 yards with one score while adding 87 tackles, 31 solo, 14 tackles for a loss, three sacks, two picks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery to his resume.
After earning two first team All-League awards, All-CIF, and All-Inland Empire honors, what is Bradshaw doing for an encore – pulling down every ball carrier in the 951 area code. Through two games, the 6-1, 220 pound, talent has amassed 44 tackles, 16 solo, and a pick putting himself on pace for 220 stops through a 10-game season. If the 220-tackle total seems far-fetched, Bradshaw has that knack for the game making it quite possible. He plays longer, lankier, and bigger than he is running down plays to either side not wasting an opportunity to make a play. Watch his reel for big hits; like he is shot out of a canon exploding in a quick burst of frustration. As all good linebackers must do, he fights off blocks, can drop back into his zone to provide pass coverage, and has great closing speed.
Interest is building for Bradshaw from programs like Army, Azusa Pacific, Black Hills State, and UC-Davis with smaller division offers from Dixie State, Dordt College (Iowa), and Chatham University (Pennsylvania). If another All-League, All-CIF, and All-Inland Empire kind of season is turned in by Bradshaw, expect the list of offers and interest to grow beyond the handful currently hitting him up.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the under the radar talent learning more about his game on the field.
Interview
Steve, how did you prepare during the offseason for your senior year?
“I focused on gaining weight and getting to the size I needed to compete at a higher level.”
You get time in on both sides of the ball, where all will fans see you line up this year?
“Linebacker, fullback, running back, and wide receiver.”
What areas of your skillset did you focus on over the summer?
“I focused on my speed to get out of cuts faster and so I can make tackles from across the field. Anything to get there faster.”
How has your game improved from last year to this year?
“My strength is improved. I am better at getting through O-linemen. I am reading the guards and getting into the backfield quicker this year.”
You have offers from offers from Dixie State, Dordt College, and Chatham University, have you set any official or unofficial visits for this fall yet?
“I want to take an unofficial to Dixie State and then hopefully an official there.”
What are you looking for in a college to find your perfect fit?
“I want to play somewhere with high academics, a school with a nice football program, and at a school that wants me there.”
Enough about recruiting, back to football. How has the season started for Paloma Valley?
“We have had a lot of change since last year. We have a new head coach and have made a lot of adjustments. We are adapting well and improving each week.”
Is there anything that has surprised you on the field so far this year?
“I think one guy that has stepped up surprising everyone is Koale Schroeder (receiver). He has stepped up in a big way.”
How are teams scheming against you?
“I’m getting called out before the play starts. So far, they are double-teaming me a lot.”
The Wildcats get King (Riverside) on Friday, how will you be able to impact the game on defense against the Wolves?
“I think read and react is most important. I’ve been watching film on them all week. I see what they like to do, I know I can get in the backfield and cause havoc against them.”
Last question. What goals have you set for the 2017 season?
“I want to bring a league and CIF championship to Paloma.”
Steve, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your season.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: David Bradshaw; No. 42 Steve Bradshaw celebrating a touchdown
Photo credit: David Bradshaw; Steve Bradshaw mixing it up between plays
Photo credit: David Bradshaw; No. 42 Steve Bradshaw reads run