Moorpark’s Bradley Opts for Arkansas; Valley’s Edwards Picks Memphis State

Freddie Bradley, Moorpark College’s All-American running back, and Sam Edwards, Valley’s standout defensive back, have chosen four-year schools, their coaches announced Thursday.

Bradley, who set or tied six national junior college records during his Moorpark career, has committed to Arkansas, Moorpark Coach Jim Bittner said.

Edwards, the 1989 Western State Conference Southern Division Player of the Year, will attend Memphis State, Valley Coach Chuck Ferrero said.

Bradley and Edwards both are expected to sign letters of intent Feb. 6, the first day of the next signing period.

In addition to Bradley and Edwards, Glendale linebacker Daniel Esparza and tailback Max Garcia have enrolled at San Francisco State, a non-athletic scholarship school, and will play for the Golden Gators in the fall.

John Corcoran, a Moorpark defensive back, has accepted a scholarship offer from Eastern Michigan, and another Moorpark defensive back, Mack Humphrey, has enrolled at non-scholarship Cal State Chico and will play there in the fall.

Bradley, Edwards and Corcoran must fulfill the requirements for an associate of arts degree before they will be eligible at their respective schools.

In committing to Arkansas, Bradley decided to return to his native state. Bradley spent the first several years of his life in Helena, Ark., and still has family members in that small town on the Mississippi River.

However, it was in California that Bradley blossomed as a football player, first at Hueneme High, then at Moorpark.

As a Moorpark freshman, Bradley (6-foot, 195 pounds) led the country in scoring and was chosen a second-team All-American by J. C. Grid-Wire.

This season, he broke records as quickly as he broke tackles. Bradley was chosen first-team All-American by J. C Grid-Wire and J. C. Athletic Bureau after rushing for 1,946 yards and 27 touchdowns in 10 regular-season games.

He set records for career scoring (318 points); career all-purpose running (4,124 yards); career touchdowns (52); single-season touchdowns (29); career rushing touchdowns (48); and a tie for single-season rushing touchdowns (27).

During his two seasons, Bradley led Moorpark to an 18-4 record and two bowl berths and established himself as one of the greatest junior college running backs ever.

He took his first visit to Arkansas and also visited Iowa State, Houston, Arizona State and Washington State.

“I called all the other schools and told them he’s going to Arkansas, but they won’t take no for an answer,” Bittner said.

“Of all the recruiters, probably Arkansas was the lowest key. He felt comfortable there. I think he felt the opportunity to play was there also.”

Edwards (6-3, 192) transferred to Valley in the spring of 1989 after being suspended from the University of Arizona for two years for his involvement in an off-campus fight.

He took recruiting visits to Fresno State and Purdue, in addition to Memphis State.

Edwards had 11 interceptions, 89 solo tackles, and 67 assisted tackles during his Valley career.

He is the second player from the 1990 Monarch team to commit to Memphis State. Tailback Cliff Robinson signed with the Tigers earlier this year and is attending classes at the school.

Edwards intercepted nine passes as a freshman and was honorable mention on the J.C. Grid-Wire All-American team.

His interception total dropped to two last season, primarily because opposing teams declined to throw in his direction, and he often played as a rover in Valley’s defensive scheme.

“The guy played all over the field for us,” Ferrero said. “He’s just a big-time talent.”

Corcoran, a unanimous WSC Northern Division first-team selection, said he selected Eastern Michigan after he also visited New Mexico State.

Corcoran (6-0, 170), a Crespi High product, intercepted four passes and ranked 10th in the conference in punt returns with 71 yards.

“I anticipate playing corner, but free safety is not out of the question,” Corcoran said. “By watching film of them, I’m confident I can go in there and make an impact.”