Name: Bradyn Oakley
School: Davidson/Northern State
Position: RB/WR/H-Back
Height: 6-0
Weight: 210
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
Prior to my final season, I set out to be an All-American. Unfortunately, an injury early in the year put a hamper on that; however, the road back reinforced my hard work ethic and made me appreciate the game that much more. Additionally, it allowed me to focus extra on the X’s and O’s and see the game from a different perspective, which I believe enhanced my football IQ. Analyzing games and practices through this lens also allowed me to recognize new tools and diversify my skillset at several different positions.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
I think my coaches and teammates would agree that I am a team-first, hardworking, gritty football player with a first guy in, last guy out mindset. I also think that they would point out my football IQ and describe me as a smart player who knows the game inside and out.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
One of the main things that I focus on in my own craft are the small details, such as footwork, body position, route efficiency, paths, etc. I am a firm believer that small details like these stack up and make huge differences on game day. For example, having an efficient first step can make the difference between a touchdown and a five-yard gain or dominating a defender on a block or not getting proper positioning. Furthermore, I also like to focus on is the overall scheme of the play. Whether that is understanding the blocking schemes and running lanes for a run play or the entire route concept and pass protection in the pass game, I believe this is a crucial aspect to being an all-around good football player. As far as studying opponents on film, I like to look at different tendencies and techniques that guys lining up across from me like to use. I take note of what their default is, what they may do in particular situations, and how they respond to both success and adversity throughout the course of a game. I also think it is helpful to put myself in the defender’s shoes and proactively think about ways in which they may play against me, putting me one step ahead of the game.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
I believe my versatility and high football IQ set me apart from other pro prospects. Throughout my college career, I have lined up and found success in the backfield at RB, out wide at WR, and in an H-back position. This unique situation has allowed me to prove myself as a viable option in both the run and pass game, while being a dominant and physical blocker, both on the interior and on the edge. Playing each of these positions have afforded me the opportunity to learn the game from a variety of perspectives and enhanced my overall knowledge of the game. Additionally, I believe I have the attitude and attributes to contribute to a team’s success on all special teams. I also have several intangible attributes that I believe separate me. I am a proven leader, as I was a captain at Davidson and have served in other leadership roles in other organizations, I have been a part of like Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I also have a strong work ethic and am constantly chasing improvement. I refuse to be outworked and will do whatever is necessary to achieve success.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
I am going to train for pro days and professional opportunities with Shane Sykes at Elite Athlete Development in Richmond, VA. I am extremely excited about the opportunity to work with Shane and former/current NFL players to prepare for the next level.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
As already discussed, I believe that my versatility and instincts are things that immediately stand out when turning on the tape. I am also a physical football player that isn’t afraid to get my hands dirty whether that is in the run game, pass game, or blocking. I have a good burst and am quick getting in and out of my cuts. I think I see the field extremely well and pick up/understand schemes both quickly and in depth. Off the field, I am very involved in the community. Throughout my entire football career, I have used football as an avenue to give back. Some examples include raising thousands of dollars for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, being a part of a raising more than $10,000 for rare disease research through Uplifting Athletes, serving on our team’s PACE council which helped strive for social justice, and mentoring the youth in local elementary/middle schools. Along the same lines of investing in my community, I believe I do the same with my teammates. As an innate leader, I have worked hard to ensure that my teammates and I build strong bonds and team culture that we can depend upon through the highs and lows that occur throughout both the season and off-season. I have been fortunate enough to be nominated twice as a semi-finalist for the William V. Campbell trophy, served as a captain in both high school and college, and received several team/school awards for leadership, performance, and integrity, which I feel serve as evidence for the consistency in the strengths and abilities discussed above.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
With me, you are getting a guy that is all in. Whether that is on the field, in the film/meeting room, in the weight room, in treatment / with recovery, or in the community, I will give everything I have and more. Football is in my DNA and I truly love the process. I believe that my unique skillset will provide immense value to any team at several different offensive & special teams positions and would be extremely thankful for the opportunity to do so.
