Analyzing Marcus Bradley's Decision to Enroll Early
News emerged this week that Quince Orchard defensive tackle Marcus Bradley will now enroll midyear for the Terps in a big boost for the 2021 class. The move was made possible due to the added academic course load that Bradley took upon himself this fall and after receiving clearance from both Maryland and his guidance counselors, the in-state defensive tackle will head to campus in January. It’s a move that prospects across the 2021 class have contemplated, while cornerback Tony Grimes and wide receiver Malcolm Johnson Jr. both opted out of senior year completely to reclassify into the 2020 season.
Bradley became the first to make the switch as a handful of prospects contemplate the decision. Neither the WCAC nor MIAA permits early enrolling which leaves Dante Trader and the trio of St. John’s commits set for June enrollment, while a pair of tight ends in CJ Dippre and Weston Wolff are expected to enroll with the program mid-year alongside Bradley.
Bradley understands the potential benefit from enrolling early. “As soon as I get there I plan on playing. I know getting in there early so being able to get those few extra months of weightlifting during the season is really going to help,” he told All Terrapins last week. The extra semester that Bradley now gains as a result of the move could be a catalyst to disrupt the two-deep heading into the 2021 season. The 6-foot-3 defensive tackle comes in with good snap quickness that’s complemented by his thick 270-pound build. The added time with strength and conditioning gives Bradley a chance to retool his body as he can play between 285 to 290 pounds to improve his ability to change direction to find the ball.
An improved playing weight can also maximize the versatility that Bradley gives the defensive line to slide into either the three or five-technique depending on the scheme. Bradley plays with the aggressive streak and is tough to evade once he gets his hands onto his opposition. With him now enrolling early, Bradley can use the added time to develop physically before the full 2021 class enrolls next summer.
Maryland addressed their concerns along the front seven through the 2021 cycle as head coach Mike Locksley and the defensive staff reeled in local difference-makers to shore up the rotation. Robinson and Taizse Johnson serve as impact players while the potential of Tommy Akingbesote gives the Terps front seven a gem, but Bradley’s move only increases the chances of him stepping into the rotation as a true freshman. The Terps have just ten defensive linemen on scholarship through the 2021 season as it stands and with the departure of Olu Oluwatimi after the upcoming season, Bradley now becomes more critical to the Terps’ depth.
