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.
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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.
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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.
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“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.”