Marcus Bradley Explains Decision to Enroll Mid-Year
In light of his senior season moved to spring, All Terrapins was first to report that Quince Orchard (MD) defensive tackle Marcus Bradley is officially a mid-year enrollee for Maryland. “It’s big time,” Bradley told All Terrapins.
Bradley becomes the first mid-year enrollee for Maryland, but he is not the first across the college football landscape. Virginia wide receiver Malcolm Johnson announced his commitment to Auburn last month before confirming he will enroll with the Tigers as a 2020 signee, while Virginia cornerback Tony Grimes opted for the same with North Carolina. The decision to postpone high school football to the spring led to 2021 prospects to evaluate their academic standing as they weighed their options, but Bradley’s academic course load for the fall gave him the chance to take advantage of more time in College Park.
One of two commitments out of the Montgomery County public school powerhouse, Bradley explained what led to the decision. “As soon as I get there I plan on playing. I know getting in there early so being able to get those few extra months of weightlifting during the season is really going to help.”
With the decision to opt of his senior season, he leaves a star-studded Cougar defense that features Maryland verbal Demeioun Robinson, Notre Dame verbal Ryan Barnes and Virginia verbal William Simpkins along with a deep crop of 2022 and 2023 talent on the roster. For Bradley, he’s ready for what is next to come.
“It was fun. I didn’t get as much time out there as I wanted to but it was good while it lasted. I’m ready for the next level anyways.”
Bradley committed to Maryland over Tennessee back on May 1 as the Terps' persistence won over the interior defensive lineman. He joins Tommy Akingbesote and Taizse Johnson inside for the Terps as the 6-foot-3, 270-pound tackle will take full advantage of added time for strength and conditioning.
Bradley was named a Sports Illustrated All-American candidate earlier this summer as the SI All-American team is high on his impact in the trenches.
Bradley has some positional versatility across the defensive front, as he can play end and tackle depending upon the alignment. His best asset is his initial quickness at the snap, which allows him to jump blockers and easily squeeze through gaps. Once he marries his quick hands with cleaner technique, he should become a good contributor to a college defense. Bradley fits best as a 3-technique defensive tackle in a defensive scheme with 1-gap concepts.
