Former Midlands standout, IMG Academy quarterback makes college choice
A month before his senior season, Jayden Bradford has made his college choice.
The former Chapin standout and current IMG Academy quarterback committed to Liberty University on Friday, his birthday.
“I’m home,” Bradford posted on social media.
Bradford is the 13th Liberty commit for the Class of 2024, but the most high-profile so far for first-year head coach Jamey Chadwell, who recruited him when he was at Coastal Carolina before taking his current job in December. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, he is considered the highest-ranked recruit in program history.
Liberty, which starts Conference USA play this season after five years as an FBS football independent, offered Bradford in May and he was on campus for an official visit last month. He told the website A Sea of Red that the Flames, who’ve made four straight bowl games, were among his front-runners after the visit.
“I’ve seen many great programs throughout my recruitment but when I got to Liberty I knew that is where I wanted to be,” Bradford told The State. The coaching staff is amazing and I feel like I can go there and leave a legacy for myself.
“I feel like I bring the whole package to Liberty. I feel i fit into their skill set very well and they can utilize me in the run game more.”
247Sports Composite ranks Bradford as a three-star prospect and the 35th-best quarterback in the Class of 2024.
South Carolina was in the mix for Bradford at one point, offering him back in 2021. The Gamecocks were one of his top four schools he released in November, along with NC State, Penn State and Louisville.
Bradford visited USC twice last season and was on campus this summer to throw at a camp. However, the Gamecocks already had their Class of 2024 QB commit in Dante Reno, who committed in July 2022, and they were unlikely to take a second quarterback.
“After Dante committed, I did speak with offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains once but didn’t hear much afterwards. But I respected that they had a commit,” Bradford said. “But I developed great relationships with many of the staff members over the years and wish everyone well.”
Cincinnati, UAB, Syracuse, Florida Atlantic and Coastal Carolina also were in the mix for Bradford recently. New Cincinnati coach Scott Satterfield recruited him when he was at Louisville.
Bradford played his first two seasons at Chapin before transferring to powerhouse IMG Academy, one of the top programs in the country and one loaded with college prospects. He was the Ascenders’ starting quarterback last season, completing 78% of his passes for 1,071 yards and 19 touchdowns. Bradford didn’t throw an interception in 91 attempts.
IMG Academy finished 8-1 and finished No. 7 in USA Today Super 25 poll.
“Going to IMG allowed me to mature mentally and emotionally I have experienced the trials and tribulations what the life of a collegiate athlete would be like and i will be able to handle anything that’s thrown at me in college,” Bradford said. “But for now I’m focused on the season and winning a national championship with my guys.”
This story was originally published July 7, 2023 at 3:00 PM.
