West Virginia defensive end Tyrin Bradley had a breakout season for the program in 2024. The Mountaineers standout recorded 56 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss while playing a unique role on defense. It was a long time coming for Bradley, who previously spent time at Abilene Christian.
Bradley recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. He documented his journey to West Virginia, detailed what his role on the defense was, rushing the passer and stopping the run, and more.
JM: Now that you've had time to reflect, how do you look back on the decision to transfer from Abilene Christian to West Virginia?
Tyrin Bradley: It changed my life for the better. Honestly, I wish I would have received more recognition as a recruit coming out of high school. I would have appreciated an opportunity to join a program like West Virginia even earlier in my career.
Going to West Virginia gave me a better chance to showcase my skill set. I made a bigger name for myself at the program.
JM: You took a huge step forward in 2024, recording 56 tackles and 7.5 TFLs. What changed for you?
Tyrin Bradley: I was playing with a lot of confidence. My approach to the game in general was different. I learned how to prepare like a pro. I was lucky to surround myself with some incredible athletes at West Virginia.
Going to West Virginia definitely helped me produce at a higher level. I felt more experienced as well. I was going up against some elite offensive linemen. We had some incredible guys in our own room, guys like Sean Martin who helped improve our culture.
I paid close attention to how our guys operate and I followed suit. We had an incredible culture. Being at the West Virginia program for a few years changed my life. It changed my mindset.
JM: You played that “SPUR” or “bandit end” position, according to West Virginia. Walk us through what exactly that is, and what the coaching staff asked of you.
Tyrin Bradley: Early in my recruiting process after entering the portal, West Virginia told me they were looking for a versatile defensive lineman. They were looking for a player who could do anything. I played the run when needed. I even covered tight ends when needed.
I was covering those curl routes in the flat. I was also trying to be an efficient pass rusher. It was a do-it-all role. I played the boundary side-end. We were essentially a three-down front. I was asked to drop in coverage a lot this past season. I would have preferred to rush the passer more frequently, but I did what I needed to do to help the defense.
We’re supposed to be the primary pass rushers in our defense. I served as the boundary-side edge to the defense, so my assignment was to make sure nothing got outside to the boundary.
I rushed the passer when I was supposed to. We spilled blocks inside the box when necessary, based on our safety coverage or linebackers. I did a lot of curl-flat dropping, hard-flat dropping. Sometimes I was asked to play man coverage on tight ends when necessary.
That was the role. I was somebody who could do it all.
JM: That’s a terrific breakdown of the role. How would you describe your pass-rush arsenal? What are your go-to moves and counters?
Tyrin Bradley: I wish I was more efficient this past season rushing the passer. When I did have success, it was using my speed to beat guys off the edge. I like to chop the outside arm and use a rip, bend the edge off of that.
I like taking an inside counter move when I get the offensive linemen to overset. If I had to say what my go-to move was, it was definitely speed off the edge.
JM: Do you feel like you can be a three-down lineman at the next level? Talk to me about your ability to stop the run on early downs.
Tyrin Bradley: I definitely believe that pass rushing is a privilege. You have to stop the run first and foremost before getting to third down. That’s what I pride myself on doing. Being a boundary edge, I couldn’t let the ball get outside of me.
Teams tried to run the ball to the boundary, inside zone to the boundary. They would pull the tackle and send the tight end as well. I pride myself on setting the edge and stopping the run efficiently. I loved doing that.
Pass rushing is a privilege. Any chance you get to pin your ears back on third down, you gotta get after it.
JM: We've appreciated your time today. Why should a team use one of their draft picks on Tyrin Bradley?
Tyrin Bradley: I know I have an interesting backstory. I played quarterback in high school. That was my primary position. I thought I was going to be a quarterback. I made the switch to the defensive side during my junior year. I had to change my entire mindset and become a defensive guy.
I had success right away and I went to Abilene Christian. I had enough success there to get myself to West Virginia. You’re getting somebody who’s ready to work.
I don’t have a sexy backstory, but I’m always going to work my butt off. That’s always been my mentality. I’m thankful and humble. I’ve played with that chip on my shoulder my entire life.
Being who I am and having an opportunity to make a name for myself and inspire kids from my hometown, you can do great things and carve out a path for yourself. I’m a great teammate and person in the locker room.
Talent takes you a long way, but it’s character that builds your team. If I’m blessed and fortunate enough to hear my name called, you’re getting a guy who is ready to work. I’m ready and hungry.
