Wil Bradford
2022 - College Senior
Uncommitted
VIDEO PLAYLIST
Top Achievements
- 3 merit rolls throughout high school, honors society acceptance, 27 college offers of study
About Me
I started off playing flag football when I was really little for Lou Groza. I remember running straight and scoring a touchdown. I decided to play tackle football in middle school. I liked edge, which was the position I didn't have a choice to play because all the wide receiver positions were taken. When high school started up I gradually got better. We got a new head coach, new jerseys, and new helmets. Our confidence was above the roof. I had a few good plays at safety freshman year leading up to a few plays at wide receiver. I remember the quarterback throwing the ball up off a fade to me and catching it for a few yards before getting tackled. I was so hyped and was ready for the first game like no other. It almost felt like I was going to be getting a tackle every game, which wasn't a problem for me. This game vs the Berea Midpark Titans kept me thinking like something big is going to happen for me in the coming seasons with these rangers. Our quarterback threw it up to me again with no fear. I snagged with one hand with the ball being attached to my helmet. I ran as fast as I could to the end zone being stopped at the 3 yard line. I turned around as hyped as possible with the coach telling, "good job Wil." After that the tackles escalated and I was having so much fun. We didn't have the best season ever, but I was so pumped for the upcominging season. Summer was then approaching; it was my sophomore season and we were coming out of the school from the weight room. Coach wanted me to help him with some new equipment. After that was over he said, "you can have a revo speed, but not a speed flex." These were the two best helmets at the time. 7 on 7's was approaching and we didn't have our best player, which was a wide receiver. Coach told me that I was going to be replacing him and that gave me the adrenalin to do all that I can while I can. The quarterback kept giving me the back no matter what day to day. I was always open and I was always making plays. I did get locked up by one player from Twinsburg and it was bad. The kid was holding me the whole time with it even leading to my shirt being ripped off. Coach had to tell him back up even saying his name because he coached that kid. It made me so mad that the next game I had to score a touchdown off a post route. We were so pumped that everything was seeming to fall in place again for this team. I then got new cleats and was pumped for the pads. I couldn't stop shaking off players and wiggling mid route. Man it was just pure confidence. I was approaching a game with my teammates. We were finally in pads after those hot sweaty two days and this kid decided to press me. I then ran to the right side after the quarterback hiked the ball. I saw so much grass on the left side, so I stuck my right foot in the grass, and ran to the left. I saw the ball coming my way, so I was like why not just snag it. I did that and ran for a few yards before getting tackled. Man that played struck the crowd even after me getting out key players open for even more yards. We won that scrimmage and man, we really felt something good happening for the season. The first game was approaching and we were all pumped up. I wasn't getting the ball, but we all were seeing plays that were giving us so much momentum. I was getting players open a lot and it was making the game close. The last play of the game the quarterback threw it up to the best player and he dropped it. It was so close and we were all disappointed about the outcome. I continued to do my job and we were having players break records. One game vs the Midview Middies we came out the jump with me running an out route. I got tackled and it was up to the next play. Another time I ran a hitch and it wasn't there. I then went up field and the ball was heading my way. I then got tackled again and the ball was rolling. Plays were coming along and I then got the ball again. I came off a post and man that ball was coming in so smoothly. I snagged that one also and ran some more before getting tackled. I got a chance to hit someone hard to get my teammate some extra yardage, too. I totaled up to 72 yards that game and 3 receptions. I felt that was my best game I ever played for that organization. There were still some more games to come, but I wasn't really doing much. I mean I was getting guys open, getting 3 more catches for about 5 yards each, but nothing big was happening. My behavior in the classroom was playing a big role. I wasn't getting in the games for a long period of time. Coach was getting frustrated about that. The season was over with evidentially. I did get some reps in on jv, snagging the ball a couple times, and getting tackles. One game I was having a field day. I had 4 touchdowns including two point conversions. We were playing against the North Ridgeville Rangers jv. I remember running a post in the rain and scoring. I also remember running a slant and having almost the whole team on my back. I remember converting after that also a few times. I almost broke the record for touchdowns in a game. I remember seeing the varsity guys in the box smiling at me and stuff. I was ecstatic. Even though we didn't have the best season going 1-9, we weren't going to let that affect how we play as seasons come. It was time to prepare for my junior year. This was covid19 and it was scary to be outside. I was stuck in the house and felt that I was in desperate need of playing. I was working out every second and watching films. I even got some recruiters looking at me around the area. Scouts were even giving me calls and I didn't have a choice, but to make a tweet to get my name out there even more. Classmates were talking about me, teachers were trying to fundraise, and help. The team was getting stronger. Once we got a chance to get on the field, we all found out about something great. We were getting new turf. Everyone was getting a sneak peek at it to see when it was going to be ready. Then it finally happened to where people can step on it. We got another wide receiver coach who was interested in the players more than we've seen. He showed me how to run faster. Coach was always mentioning our power pads. But this coach actually showed us what to do. I then got to test it out and our quarterback threw me a dot off the post. I ended up grabbing it. I was now the fastest on the team. Going into the days of practices more, we were playing too much when we didn't need to be. Coach was always telling us to walk the ball in. Some freshman decided to throw the ball directly to the coach's head and my eyes opened like there was a steak out. I looked into that ball like, uh uh... not today and snagged it with the left. Coach looked so fast at me and didn't say a word. I think he was that shocked. I was feeling so good after that. I started shifting players like I didn't care. I just wanted to get open. I got new gloves and new cleats. I was playing with so much anger. I was bigger and I was stronger. This was supposed to be my breakout season. I was having worse behavior problems than before. Fighting with one player everyday because he didn't know how to play. Coaches got fed up because they knew my potential and it was the last straw. Something needed to change. I did my job on the field and tried my best in practice. First game was approaching and I didn't get in. One of the best players on our team was telling me to sub him in. I did that and the coach got mad. This was moments after our best player made some big plays. We ended up losing and it came to a point where the other team was running around on our turf and us getting mad about it. Coach was trying to calm everyone down because he knew that we didn't disrespect. He gave us a talk and it was on to the next day. It was Saturday and we were playing the same team we played yesterday. It was the jv team. I remember getting subbed in to play defense and not really doing much on that side of the field. I got called in for offense and the roof was higher about the ceiling. I felt real energized when the quarterback hiked the ball. I knew what route I had and ran it hard. I caught the back and turned to the sideline. I was running like I was on a kick return when I should have just ran straight. I took one step and collapsed. I was in excruciating pain in my knee and I was punching the ground. I never felt that way before. They walked me to the sideline. I couldn't move my knee. I got a call from my coach and he said, "do you think you need to go to the hospital? I said, "no." I ended up really needing to. I got carted to the bus after winning 8-0. I then was in even more pain and was eager to get off the bus. They helped me get into the locker room and elevated my knee. Coaches were talking to me and checking up with me and eventually got a ride home. They also called my mom and let them know my situation. I then was on my way to the hospital and players were asking me if I was ok and you're going to be playing again. I said, "yes it is just a sprained knee." I was asking God just why. Why me? I will do whatever I can. I just want to play football again. By the time we got to the hospital I was letting them know what happened and what I feel in my knee right now. They gave me an x-ray and said, "you tore your ACL and MCL in two places." I shut down because they were mentioning surgery. I have never had surgery before. They gave me some antibiotics and I woke up after surgery. "Am I going to be able to play again? How long is it going to take?" Strolling me out of the hospital. It was hard to move at night. I wanted to go to the bathroom and get out the best when I wasn't supposed to that same day. It was an emergency. I took my crunches, got onto the bed and was in the worst pain ever. Screaming my sister's name, "EBONY...EBONY." Because I couldn't move and my knee was hurting really bad. I was in an emotional state of mind. I was trying to exercise real early. I watched the boys go out there and play. I was trying to figure out how I am going to come back faster. We were looking better than ever. We were in a new conference and the competition was like no other. It was a perfect match every time. We had the best record we ever had in some years 3-7. We had a kid break a rushing record. I was going to the practices and watching these boys play. I was going to rehab and there were days where it was hurting really bad. The tissues would tighten up because of how soon I was moving the muscles I tore. I was almost feeling like I could feel the rod in my knee. 15cm. Time was ticking. I was getting even more emotional. I took that anger and put it into my workouts. I couldn't eat sometimes. I was getting ripped and faster. I was mentally weak. The season is coming closer and it's my senior year. Conditioning was happening and I was so strong. I was ready for anything. We were running a lot and we did stadiums. I made sure to be the first one. This was my year. I kept running until we didn't have to anymore. Coaches hyped for me. We were doing 50 yard sprints at one point and 100 yard sprints. I was the first one to finish and all the seniors and I were talking trash. "You're slow", "okay watch." Coach blew his whistle and I was gone. I was at least five yards away from our fastest player. We brought it in and three of our seniors were mad at me. I said, "we should run some more and we did." That's also why they got pissed at me. Coach said, Wil, Lucas, Hakeem, and Tico. Come here. What's the problem, you guys are seniors." We all started talking at the same time and the coach said, "so are y'all good?" "Yeah." This sparked this team because we were all mad about running and wanted to prove each other wrong. This was good for game time which made us play harder, but it was made for chemistry. I was struggling with the coach because I didn't have the same helmet all the other seniors had, but I knew my potential. I ended up quitting the team and all the players wanted me to stay. It just felt like things were going down hill for me with the coach. The main thing I'm proud about with this team was still sticking by my side after that. Coach didn't want me to quit and I said, "ok." Because I was struggling with this throughout the other seasons he said, "you're not going to quit on me for the fourth year," and I agreed. We were in the weight room and I remember Coaches were noticing my size. We got a new wide receiver coach and he said, "what are you about 160?" "I laughed and smiled because it has been a while since he saw me and said, "I think so." We went on throughout that practice and the coach said, "don't say anything, just keep your mouth shut and let people talk." I said, "yes sir." A few minutes later a camera crew walked in and started recording my workout. I was holding the top of the bar for lat pull downs with both hands. I had a 45 and a 35 on both sides. I was pulling it down 3/4 to feel the burn and they were still recording. I feel like the coach mentioned to them that there is a breakout player coming off an injury or something. I don't want to jump to conclusions, but it almost felt that way. It was supposed to be my year. Unfortunately, I wasn't making smart decisions during practice, so I felt that I deserve to be a part of the team. I quit by choice and decided to focus on my academics and making money. I got a merit roll that year, 13 offers of study, a football offer from Thiel College, and an honors society acceptance. I felt fine that I got time to focus on my academics. I learned about the stock market, and how to manage my money for the standard of living. I got to also learn how to calculate weekly, bi-weekly, annual, net, gross salary, etc. I started thinking about life without football even though I was still working out. I went to a football game that was a part of the teams and I told one of the best players on the team, Hakeem Quran, "you better go off." He said, "I'm close to breaking a record." I said, "how far away are you from it." He said, "600 yards." I said, "800 yards." That game and some more he ended up breaking records. We both knew each other's capabilities so it was easy for us to joke and laugh about things before the next agenda. My boy was breaking tackles and running for his life out there. We had science class together and we just were like tight friends. We always talked about whatever to one another. Tico Jones Jr. Lucas Winters, Hakeem Quran, and I. We all committed. Tico committed to Youngstown State University, Lucus committed to Saint Francis University, Hakeem committed to the University of Fort Lauderdale, and I committed to Thiel College. We all graduated the same day and were still family to one another. Hakeem was the one who thought I needed to talk with the coach about joining the team again. It ended up not happening. That summer there was supposed to be orientation at Thiel College. I was the last one and if I missed I would be missing a lot of information. When I was young I didn't think about taking the train to get there. I got a bike and rode it from Lakewood to Erie, PA. I thought I had a ride there, but they canceled. I didn’t want to miss anything. I got to Erie, PA, and a man named Josh Williams stopped me. I had seen him turn around and he said, “where are you headed.” I said, “orientation in Greenville, PA.” He says, “hop in.” I would never want anyone to think that you ride in anyones car, especially a stranger. Josh and I became tight. He told me about his family life and I had some of the same similarities as him. We got to the college and said, “I’ll be right back.” They checked me in because I had told the coach that I wasn’t going to be able to make it. Josh decided that I’d surprise him. The coaches were hyped to see me and they gave us some information on the day. Before all that one of the lineman coaches stepped me to the side and said, “Josh left and wanted me to give you this.” It was $300 and lunch for me to eat throughout the day. He said, “He told me and the other coaches about you getting here and we like your determination. I started tearing up and said, “thank you.” He directed me to where I needed to go and we started touring around. I met the quarterback named Christian and we started talking. He was a transfer from Youngstown State University. He mentioned that he wanted to go back. Meanwhile we were in an office where we talked about my specific financial aid. I signed forms about my commitment and went on about my day. One of my teammates I met there was mad at the fact that the coaches were complimenting me and made a smart remark. I got over it after we were in the auditorium talking about what it takes to be a Tomcat. We toured more and went to our classrooms. I saw older people and was thinking about college like, all of them like this? There wasn’t a problem with it, I just didn’t think anything of it. We were done with that and got to look at the weight room and football field. We all started recording on our phone and were really hyped to see the field. After that we went to the library and the day felt like it was over. It was finally time to eat. It was time for all of us to leave and everyone was swapping up their food. The head coach told me, “did you really ride your bike here?” I said, “yes.” He looked at me, smiled and said, “you’re crazy.” We both started smiling and he filled me in on some more information about what is next and said, “how are you getting back.” I said, “I have a bike.” Coach talked to Christian and said, “Give Wil a ride to Youngstown.” Because that's where the nearest greyhound is I would head over there, I would have to stop in downtown Cleveland, and then it would take me to Lakewood. I talked with Christian while he was taking me to the greyhound and he said, “this is the campus.” He showed me around the campus in his Tesla; which I thought was cool, and said, “this is the stadium.” I felt really happy and that maybe we could team up there. Eventually, he dropped me off at the greyhound, and we said our goodbyes. That summer I got a job and was trying to figure out what to do with my life. I was struggling with family and didn't feel like I had anybody to trust, so I moved out of my mom's house. I was homeless and didn't have anywhere to stay. I called my Uncle Jeff and told him my situation. He then helped me go to Kent State University, which was one the 13 colleges I got an offer of study from. They gave me financial aid, grants, and feedback as to what I need to do. I met new people, roamed around the campuses, and completed as many assignments as possible. I got a job and was struggling with it because of my mindset. I didn't feel like I was stable enough to get a job and go to college. It affected how I sleep, my attendance, and grades. I had to withdraw from two courses. I didn't have transportation all the time. I was staying up late and being a college kid that everyone knew. I definitely wasn't focused. I was distracted because of the amount of time I wanted to hang out with friends rather than get my assignments done. I got dismissed for my attendance and grades. I also didn't have enough to register for the spring semester because I didn't pay off my fall semester bill. In order to get a transcript and be accepted to colleges I need to have that bill paid off. They mentioned appealing everything, but I had to focus on where I would stay with my grandma. She and I decided that I would go to Trenholm State Community College, but I still needed to have that fall semester bill paid off in order for them to receive a transcript from the last institution I went to. It didn't work out for a while, I got into an argument with her because I felt that I should stay. I didn't realize that I wasn't going to have a place to live like I thought I would. I became homeless again and was living at a ladies house that offered me a place to stay when I was sleeping at the RTA. She woke me up saying, "you must be fine right here sleeping." I said, "it's okay." She said, "I can live with her, we aren't that far from there." I agreed and was staying with her. I liked it until I got a bad dream in the middle of the night. She was smoking cigs in the middle of the night, which affected my sinuses. I also didn't even like the smell of the cigs, but was feeling appreciative of having a place to stay. I left her house and was homeless again and again. I felt trapped and that the only way I could live was if I was homeless. I once lost contact with everybody and didn't know where to go. Finally, I heard my brother, while I was sleeping in the shed for a while, and talked with him. He mentioned that he was going to be home for a while, so we can talk. I then found out that I was going to be going to Alabama where I have family. I would be able to help my grandma with her new house and go to school. I got a job and was accepted to 14 more colleges. I got 5 more college football offers, 15 college football showcase invites, 2 college football visits, a rowing offer, and an offense-defense all-american bowl invite. I also got a job at a career center and I am looking forward to going to college soon to pursue my dream of going to the NFL. One thing I want to let you all know, it's never too late to ask anybody a question. It's never too early to do what you want to do with your priorities. You can do anything you put your mind to no matter what the outcome is. It's only up to you.
Football Career
Coaches & References
Measurables
Height
6'3"
Athlete Verified
Aug 13, 2023
Aug 13, 2023
Weight
Athlete Verified
Aug 13, 2023
Aug 13, 2023
Max Squat
Athlete Verified
Aug 13, 2023
Aug 13, 2023
Max Power Clean
Athlete Verified
Aug 13, 2023
Aug 13, 2023