Interview: 2020 California WR Lonzel Bradford is Turning Heads Again for Grand Terrace
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Between the towns of San Bernardino and Riverside sits Grand Terrace. Within the city limits is Grand Terrace High School, and their Division VIII California football program. With most college scouts focused on other area squads in Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, Norco, and Corona, to name a few, players on the Titans squad are being overlooked. One such overlooked talent worthy of recruiting consideration is Lonzel Bradford.
During Bradford’s junior season, the Titans quietly went about their way posting a 7-5 record. The 5-9, 175-pound, speedster ripped apart Sunkist League competition hauling in 55 passes for 877 yards with 14 touchdowns. The start to the 2019 season has been rough for the Titans, but Bradford is doing his part showing senior leadership while showcasing his abilities to college scouts. In stats posted through four games, Bradford has team-highs in receptions (16), yards (290), and touchdowns (5).
With an offer on the table from Idaho and some Mountain West and Pac-12 interest coming in, I got a few minutes in with Bradford learning more about his play on the field.
Interview
Lonzel, you made a lot of noise during the 2018 season as a receiver for the Titans. What is your motivation on the field?
“My injury. I missed one game, that set me back. I felt that I needed to prove myself more after missing a game. I am going even harder this year. I have a lot to prove to myself and my family.
What did you work on over the offseason to prepare for your senior year?
“I worked on my speed and my footwork. I did a lot of catching and worked on my endurance. I worked on playing at a high level when I am tired and feel that I can’t go on. When I can’t go anymore, I kept going pushing my endurance to get ready for the season. I did a lot of speed work.”
You have a couple of gears on the field that you can switch into if needed. How fast are you?
“During my junior year in track, I ran a 10.9 (100m).”
Nice. Five games into the season you are leading the team in all major receiving categories. Where are you showing the improvements in your game?
“The biggest improvement is making more plays. I am going in there with no fear and knowing what I need to do.”
Beyond your speed, one thing I notice and like about your game is your fight for extra yards and you have great balance going forward through arm tackles. What do you now feel are the strengths to your game given all the hard work put into it all?
“Now, I can go through anyone. Last year I second guessed it, now I know I can. Whoever is in my way, I will go through them. Another thing is my hands; I can catch and I am consistent with it.”
How are defenses scheming against you?
“They are slowing me down with a high safety and moving the linebacker towards me. They are trying to trap me having everyone coming down. But that leaves everyone else on my team open.”
Which game this season has been your best so far?
“My best game was against Yucaipa. That was my best because they were telling me I sucked before the game; I scored twice on them. I proved regardless of their ranking that I can score on them and that I can show out when needed.”
The Titans roll to Kaiser (5-0) on Friday, what kind of game are you expecting from the Cats?
“I am expecting everything they did last year. They have a big run game. This is a real battle. We are looking at it as we are 0-0. We will come out with a bang.”
Closing with recruiting. Which schools are showing recruiting interest?
“I have an offer from Idaho and Washington State, UNLV, Boise State, and Utah are showing interest.”
Do you have any visits coming up?
“Yes. I have a planned one in December to Idaho. That is an official visit.”
That’s awesome. Lonzel, it was great getting the interview in with you today. I hope you guys take care of business the way you want the rest of the way.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Twitter.com; Lonzel Bradford