Late last month, Todd Graham said he’d be “shocked” if Carl Bradford didn’t return to Arizona State for his senior season.
A couple of weeks later, and a day before the deadline for such declarations, color Graham shocked.
In a statement sent out Monday, Graham confirmed that Bradford has decided to forego his remaining eligibility and make himself available for the 2014 NFL draft. As the defensive end/linebacker has already signed with an agent, there’s no chance he could change his mind and return to the Sun Devils.
“It was an honor and a privilege to coach Carl Bradford at Arizona State University,” the head coach’s statement read. “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.”
In 2013, Bradford led ASU with 18 tackles for loss and tied for the team lead in sacks with 8.5. He also intercepted one pass and forced three fumbles.
For that effort, he was named second-team All-Pac-12.