Interview: 2021 Texas WR Jerand Bradley Maybe Too Tough to Stop Going Forward

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Texas high school football teams received a stern warning during the 2018 season, an ominous sign of things to come. Class of 2021 John Paul II High School receiver Jerand Bradley used his growing talents to haul in 45 passes for 866 yards with eight trips to the end zone going against TAPPS competition. After earning second team All-District and TAPPS Newcomer of the Year honors, college programs are following suit with six offers extend so far and interest growing.

To learn more about the smooth and physical 6-5, 196-pound, nightmare matchup for corners and safeties, I sat down with Mr. Bradley for an in-depth one-on-one.

Interview

Jerand, most sophomores do not impact their team the way that you did in 2018. Once things got rolling, where you surprised at how well you were doing putting up the fantastic stat line?

“Yes, sir. I was very excited. It had a lot to do with my trainer teaching me. I put it all on the field and displayed what I can do.”

You and your quarterback, Grayson James, obviously had a very good connection, and you are both Class of 2021 guys. How did the two of you work to get that chemistry down?

“In the offseason. We’ve been working together for a long time, long before the season started. We knew each other from Little League and just worked on developing our timing.”

What type of offense do the Cardinals run and how are you utilized within the scheme?

“We run a spread offense with a lot of deep routes.”

The play in TAPPS is no joke. How did playing against top Texas talent help take your game to another level last season?

“Going against top defensive backs like, Virdel Edwards from Prestonwood (Plano) and from some of the guys at Bishop Dunne (Dallas) helped me a lot.”

How did playing against them help you?

“It helped me with my releases – really, everything improved. They helped me keep my head on straight and get better.”

You high-point the ball well, and it even looks like you have a little basketball to your game as a receiver using your body to block out defenders. What are some of other strengths to your game at this point in your career?

“My athleticism and my separation are strengths. I am physical at the line and throughout the route.”

That does show on your film. What are you working on this spring?

“I am working on my route running and speed, that will be a big improvement for me this year.”

Have you attended any national camps yet?

“Yes. I just went to the Nike Opening yesterday and last week I went to the Under Armouer All-American Camp.”

How did the camps go?

“At the Under Armour Camp, it was okay. That was my first ever football camp. I was getting adjusted to it. I went against good defensive backs. At Nike, I turned it up a lot. I knew what to expect against better defensive backs, I competed well at that camp.”

Going into recruiting. How many offers do you have now?

“I have six offers.”

Bradley’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Colorado, Howard, Illinois State, Rutgers, and William and Mary

Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“Texas A&M, SMU, Texas Tech, and I know Virginia is talking to my coach. A bunch of coaches have come by my school; Minnesota, Arizona State, UTSA (Texas-San Antonio), SMU, Texas Tech, and Baylor.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“Yes, sir. I have taken a visit to Arkansas. I visited them in February.”

How did the Arkansas visit go?

“It was very good, we went on a tour of their facilities. The environment was nice and the coaches were nice coaches. They showed me a lot of love down there.”

What was your lasting impression of the visit?

“Arkansas has a great campus, it is very nice there.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“I am trying to get to Colorado and this week I am going to Houston.”

What has you excited about going to visit Houston?

“I am going down there with my dad’s defensive line team. I am excited to visit the school.”

Are you playing any other sports for John Paul?

“Yes, sir. Basketball.”

I sensed that. How did the season go for you and the team?

“We had a good season (28-10) but we got beat in playoffs. My season went well, I earned Defensive MVP and first team All-District honors.”

That’s awesome. Congratulations.

“Thank you.”

Are you getting any looks for basketball?

“This past summer, Texas Tech and Kansas State were showing interest.”

Last question. Do you have a special skill, talent, or hobby most people would be surprised to learn?

“I like collecting shoes.”

What is your favorite shoe that you have collected thus far?

“Jordan 6.”

Jerand, it was great learning more about you and your game today, I appreciate your time.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Bradley family; Jerand Bradley at Arkansas