The Arizona State Sun Devil defense was going to take a big hit no matter what with players like Will Sutton, Alden Darby, Osahon Irabor, Robert Nelson and Chris Young all graduating. But on Monday, the defense lost another one of its standout performers as redshirt senior Devil Backer Carl Bradford announced he will be declaring for the NFL Draft.
In 2013, the second team All-Pac-12 selection recorded 61 tackles including 19 for loss and 8.5 quarterback sacks which led the team. That all following a breakout 2012 season which saw him and Will Sutton became just the first duo in school history to post double digits in sacks in the same season since 1994. He was originally recruited to ASU by former head coach Dennis Erickson as one of the highest touted fullbacks in the nation but came to Tempe to play defense.
Bradford made his mark right off the bat as a member of the Sun Devils during his red shirt season in 2010 when he was named the Hard Hat player recognition for his work in ASU’s offseason strength and conditioning program.
His decision came just two days before Wednesday’s deadline for players to declare for the NFL Draft. News of him leaving ASU picked up on Monday after it was reported that he had signed with an agent.
ASU head coach Todd Graham released this statement about Bradford on Monday:
“It was an honor and a privilege to coach Carl Bradford at Arizona State University. Carl leaves ASU with his degree and that is what we are most proud of. Additionally, with players like Carl, Will Sutton, Chris Young, Osahon Irabor and Alden Darby, we built the No. 1 defense in Pac-12 Conference play and one of the top-rated units nationally. We want to be known for tough, stout defense at ASU and Carl helped us achieve that in 2012 and 2013. We appreciate Carl for being a great Sun Devil and wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”
