Brandon Graves has drawn some interest from the likes of UCLA, Wyoming, Oklahoma, and Boise State. However, he has a desire to stay in-state with hopes of landing at California.
Graves’ connection to former Bear DeSean Jackson is something he hopes will get him to become a Golden Bear.
“My dad’s best friend’s son is DeSean Jackson,” Graves said. “When I was little, I always watched him play for Long Beach Poly and I worked out with him a few times. That’s one of my main reasons why I want to go there. He tells me how the school is.”
The 5-9, 165-pound Graves displayed his talent and skills at the Scout.com/Fox Sports Combine at Los Angeles Harbor College last weekend. He was able to impress many with his route running and hands. He did not drop a single pass thrown his way during one-on-one drills.
“I feel like I did great,” Graves said. “I feel like I got everything down from my technique, fundamentals, but most important, I felt like I was on point. I had a great day especially drill wise during one-on-ones. It's just competitiveness. When you’re out here, everybody is here for a scholarship. If you work hard, everyone gets their chance.”
Graves credits his hard work from being at Los Angeles area powerhouse Crespi High School in Encino. “Crespi is a big time program,” Graves said. “I feel what my coaches teach me is to come out here and just try hard. That’s what we strive for at Crespi. If you play hard to the best of your ability, that’s all you can ask for.”
He is known at Crespi High School for his versatility. He not only plays wide receiver, he also plays defensive back and returns kicks.
Graves was contacted by Fresno State recently to play defensive back for the Bulldogs. But when his college career starts up, he wants to settle on one position, and that spot is on offense.
“I want to play slot receiver,” Graves said. “They’re just telling me that I’m not tall and not that big, but keep working on what I have which is my speed and versatility. If I have that and catch the ball, I’ll be ready.”
Graves will admit though that he wants to improve his speed after his disappointment in the 40-yard dash at the Scout L.A Combine. “I ran a 4.7, but my best is a 4.5,” Graves said. “I wasn’t really that prepared for it getting to the combine. But once I start getting warmed up, I’ll be ready for it.”
Graves will also admit though that Jackson isn’t the only reason why he wants to play at Cal. He wants to find a university that can keep him somewhat close to home, be on an offense that helps maximize his talents, and be at a university where he can fit in and enjoy college life.
“Being close to home or being away from home doesn’t matter to me but they do run a pro set,” Graves said. “It fits me because they know how to use the athletes. I want to go to college and really enjoy that experience. I feel like I’m going to go to whatever school fits me. I want to major in sports medicine. If it fits me, that’s where I want to go.”
Brandon Graves L.A. Combine Highlights
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