Josh Heupel went back to his old stomping grounds in Missouri to pick up Chandavian Bradley. The four-star EDGE rusher can provide Tennessee football with an instant boost.
Here are five things to know about Bradley.
Where Bradley ranks
Bradley ranks as a four-star prospect across the board. He measures out at 6-foot-4.5 and 209-pounds.
247Sports ranks Bradley as the No. 110 player nationally, the No. 16 EDGE in his class, and the No. 4 prospect from Missouri.
ON3 puts Bradley as the No. 113 prospect nationally, the No. 17 EDGE, and the No. 5 recruit out of Missouri.
Rivals ranks Bradley as the No. 73 prospect nationally, the No. 4 prospect from Tennessee, and the No. 7 EDGE.
The numbers
Bradley played quality snaps for Platte County High School in Platte City, Mo., in his final three years. He consistently led Platte County to Missouri Class 5A state playoffs.
He finished his senior season with 35 tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks, a pass breakup, and two forced fumbles.
Decision to choose Tennessee football
Bradley committed to Tennessee football in July. He was extended a scholarship in February.
Bradley chose the Vols over Texas A&M and South Carolina, among others. Bradley wanted to leave Missouri, and fell in love with Knoxville.
“I’ve been able to see a little bit different stuff while I was in Knoxville and see… a completely different atmosphere and I know that those fans are absolutely crazy and you can feel that energy that comes from them as soon as you walk into Knoxville,” Bradley told FOX4.
Multi-sport athlete
Basketball was initially Bradley’s primary sport, and he has been recruited by schools to play that as well. He reportedly averaged double figures at Platte County.
As an edge rusher, some of Bradley’s abilities playing basketball should translate well to his role as an edge rusher. He’ll obviously need to put on weight in the SEC, but his potential with Tennessee football is through the roof.
Scouting report
Allen Trieu of 247Sports compares Bradly to Gregory Rousseau of the Buffalo Bills. He also projects Bradley could become a day two draft pick.
“Long, athletic defender that has high upside but is still early in his development,” Trieu writes. “Athletic background includes basketball and track. Has twitch, gets off the ball quickly and closes to his target in a hurry. He is fluid and able to bend and dip and make offensive linemen miss their punch on him. Has played standing up and could continue to do that in college. Shows he can drop into coverage when asked to do that. 3-4 outside linebacker or weakside 4-3 end are most likely projections. Has to fill in, get stronger and be able to anchor in the on the run, but has high-end athletic ability. Could play early as a situational pass rusher as he adds that strength and learns additional technique. The comp of Rousseau is of him as a 222-pound high school senior. Rousseau is now 260 pounds, and Bradley could follow the same growth path or stay at a lower weight if he is more of a stand-up outside rush end. Regardless, the upside is high and early round possibilities are there if he reaches his ceiling.”
