Oak Grove freshman QB Jackson Bradley had an impressive year under center for the Tigers. The 6’3 200lb QB was recently awarded the “Camper of the Day” during a 7-on-7 tryout by the Randall Passing Academy. He helped his team post a 6-2 district record, while averaging over 35 points a game in the span of those eight games. Bradley posted some incredible numbers during his freshman campaign. For a team that is known for running the ball, the young gunslinger had over 1100 yards passing and 17 touchdowns. He also had 650 yards on the ground and added another five scores.
When did you start playing football?
I started playing football in the sixth grade, I was about 12 years old. I never really played any peewee. I just started playing at my middle school Oak Grove middle.
Did you play any other sports growing up?
Yes sir, I played baseball, basketball and football. I’ve played baseball since I could pretty much walk. I also started playing basketball in the sixth grade. As an eighth grader I won a state championship because I played on the high school team. I played third base, left field and I pitched some.
When you guys won the state championship what were you playing the most?
I was playing third.
What about basketball, what position do you play for basketball?
I’m kind of a small forward type position.
Have you always played quarterback or did you play any other positions?
On offense I’ve always played quarterback, I have played some outside linebacker my seventh and eighth grade year. But always quarterback.
What position do you prefer to play QB or linebacker?
Definitely QB, oh yeah, definitely.
With last season being what it was with COVID and everything, what were some of your goals?
Well, obviously, we were back-to-back state champions and expecting nothing less that was really the main goal. We knew people were going to talk, especially with a freshman coming in to play quarterback. We fell short of that. We started 0-3, then really only lost one after that. We shook around, and no one wanted to play Oak Grove when it came playoff time.
Who would you say some of your biggest influences are?
My dad, he played football for a very long time. He’s kind of taught me overtime, more and more as I’ve gotten older. Even more over the past year. Ryan Gregory he’s my head football coach and offensive coordinator. Especially this last year just because of everything that’s happened. Also, my seniors, through all the hardships that happened throughout this year, they stayed hyped up. They wanted, we all wanted something that had been done before.
Who would you say your favorite NFL player is or who do you model your game after?
That MVP like season Carson Wentz had a few years ago, that was probably my favorite. Then Drew Brees of course because being a kid from Louisiana. Right now, it’s Joe Burrow, he’s just like Drew Brees.
That’s a pretty good pedigree to model your game around.
Yes sir.
On game day, on a scale of 1-10, what would be your ideal game day performance number?
A 10! Because where I come from excellence is expected. So you shouldn’t be upset about your performance, you should keep working, because there is always room to grow. That’s in life, not just football.
What motivates you the most?
This has been my dream forever, as long as I can remember. To play Division I football. I’m just going to keep chasing that dream every day.
If you weren’t playing football, if you weren’t chasing your dream, what sport do you think you would be playing?
Maybe baseball. I’m the best at football, I’m the second best at baseball. So it would probably be baseball.
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