Kansas Jayhawk Recruiting 2009: Safety Bradley McDougald Commits to Kansas

The University of Kansas received a big boost to its already impressive class on Jan. 22 when Scioto (Dublin, Ohio) Safety Bradley McDougald verbally committed to the Jayhawks.

He is the 23rd known commitment for the Class of 2009.  McDougald is a 4-Star rated safety prospect and is also on the Rivals 250 list.  He is listed on Rivals as the 11th best safety in the country and the 13th best prospect in the state of Ohio. 

The one-time Ohio State Buckeyes commit chose KU over Michigan State, Wisconsin, Cincinnati, Colorado, and Indiana. 

The Scioto high school product became the sixth defensive back to commit to the Jayhawks.  He is also the fourth Rivals 4-Star rated prospect to agree to play for Mark Mangino and the Jayhawks in the Class of 2009.

McDougald is listed at 6-foot-0.5, 186 pounds.  He is a very gifted athlete and was a two way starter in high school and also played on special teams. 

As a defensive back, he has great closing speed and can play either man or zone coverage very well.   He is a sure-tackler and delivers a blow. 

He is a quality asset in run support and gets a good jump on the ball.  He has a good wing-span and leaping ability.

On offense, McDougald can play either wide receiver or running back.  On film, he was able to run through tiny seams and showed the ability to be able to run through arm tackles.  He has a good tilt and an excellent set of moves. 

He has shifty hips to go with outstanding body control and balance.  He can change direction, spin, and cut on a level that few backs ever attain.  As a receiver, he runs a lot of screens, but can catch the ball in traffic downfield. 

As of right now, McDougald will probably play on the offensive side of the field.  It is unknown at this time whether it will be as a receiver or as a running back.

Regardless, he may be able to step into a contributing role as a freshman on special teams and as a reserve. 

His success at KU will be determined by how he is utilized in Ed Warriner's offensive system.  Offensively, he has so many talents, KU will need to find ways to get him touches. 

He has the ability to line up in the slot or in the backfield, similar to OU back DeMarco Murray.  If he is used properly, he can give opposing defensive coordinators headaches for years to come.