CHARLOTTE, N.C. — He likely won’t be a target for the Carolina Panthers, but Charlotte-native Garrett Bradbury is expected to go high in this year’s NFL draft.
>> Channel 9 Sports Director Phil Orban will take you inside the NFL Draft live from Nashville. Be sure to tune in for the "Panthers Draft Live" on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. on Channel 9.
He’s rated as the top college football center in the country, after playing high school ball at Charlotte Christian under the guidance of Jason Estep. When Bradbury played for Estep, however, he actually played tight end – starring for one of the best teams Estep said he’s had in 13 years leading the Knights.
[2019 NFL draft: What time, what channel, livestream and draft order]
That Knights squad had four Division 1 signees on the offensive line, and Bradbury was seemingly dwarfed in the recruiting game by some of his teammates. Yet, Bradbury may be the one who ends up making the biggest paycheck in the NFL.
But just earning that college scholarship didn't mean success was guaranteed. Bradbury went from offense to the defensive line, then back to offense, finally finding his home at center and developing into the country’s premier player at that position.
“I think he has potential to be a Pro Bowl guy,” Estep said. “They're going to look back (though) and say this path wasn't easy.”
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