Virginia Signee: Zach Bradshaw

Zach Bradshaw
Position: Linebacker/Athlete
Hometown (School): Damascus, MD (Damascus)
Height/Weight: 6'3'' 205 lbs
Committed to Virginia: 8/7/12
Lead Recruiter: Anthony Poindexter

Zach Bradshaw visited Charlottesville for fall camp in August, and committed to Coach London and the Cavaliers on site. Bradshaw, a Maryland native, was originally committed to Penn State before making his pledge to the Hoos. The change of heart came on the heels of the sanctions levied against Penn State by the NCAA in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child abuse scandal. Bradshaw was originally recruited by Virginia (and most schools for that matter) as a wide receiver, but due to program needs, projects as a linebacker. Bradshaw is a former high school teammate of current Cavalier defensive back Brandon Phelps.

Bradshaw is ranked as a high 3-star prospect by both Rivals and 247sports. The Damascus product held offers from South Carolina, Michigan, Maryland, West Virginia and others. Bradshaw's highlights show a really athletic playmaker who can pursue the ball and make things happen. As a wide receiver, you can really see how athletic Bradshaw is, and he would be a nice fit there if not for Virginia's surplus at that position. Bradshaw, along with fellow Cavalier signees LaChaston Smith, Connor Wingo-Reeves and Micah Kiser, bring a great deal of talent and athleticism to the linebacker position, which greatly needed an infusion of depth in the 2013 cycle.

Bradshaw's role on the 2013 squad is still up in the air. He is a player who could benefit greatly from a redshirt year, in order to add size and really learn the linebacker position. There have been rumblings that Bradshaw could get a look on offense as a H-Back, but he has said publicly that he doesn't care where he plays. In the end, chances are Bradshaw will end up in the linebacker group. If Bradshaw plays in 2013, it will probably be mostly on special teams. But with the Hoos losing two of their three starting ‘backers, there is a chance one of these newcomers could find a situational role on the defense.

Zach Bradshaw Official 2011.wmv (via walliche)