How Bradley Chubb flew under the radar as a recruit

Bradley Chubb arrived at NC State as a three-star recruit, and he leaves a five-star. The question is how did a talent at a relatively well-known school like Hillgrove High in Powder Springs, Ga., fly so far under the radar?

NC State itself did not formally offer Chubb until the summer before his senior season. At the time, Chubb was likely headed to Wake Forest to join his older brother Brandon, who would prove to be a standout linebacker for WFU.

Chubb had a few other offers from Power Five programs, notably Duke, Georgia Tech, Iowa, Mississippi State and West Virginia, but his recruitment may have been hampered by the fact that he only played four games as a junior before tearing his ACL.

Another reason why Chubb was under-recruited could have been that he did not play an extensive role as a defensive end until his senior season. Thus the limited film available on Chubb was as a linebacker.

Chubb did not waste much time committing to NC State. It helped that his good friend, defensive lineman Justin Jones, was also considering the Pack The two committed on the same day to NCSU within weeks of visiting, and four years later the Pack had two anchors on its defensive line that proved to be the foundation for head coach Dave Doeren’s program.

Both were recruited by former receivers coach Frisman Jackson in what would be Jackson’s lasting legacy for NCSU. He was released after two seasons by Doeren and replaced by George McDonald.

 

Read more: One for the ages: A historical look at Bradley Chubb’s outstanding career