2024 quarterback Braden Graham loves what Lane Kiffin is doing, ready to build relationship with Charlie Weis, Jr.
2024 Lipscomb Academy (Tenn.) quarterback Braden Graham sat behind starter and Cincinnati signee Luther Richesson last season, waiting his turn to take over head coach Trent Dilfer’s offense.
Now the sophomore signal caller will finally have his shot to take the first snap on opening day in 2022.
Despite not being the focal point of the offense, Graham received offers from Georgia, Kentucky and Ole Miss during his sophomore season. But, the 6-foot-1, 185 pound quarterback is not satisfied. And he has a busy spring and summer planned.
“Most definitely gonna be a busy off-season for my family and I as we plan to visit lots of schools and camp at a lot also,” Graham said. “Definitely will visit Georgia, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Miami. I will also camp at those want to also camp at Tennessee, Wake Forest, Texas, Florida, Michigan and some other schools.”
Sure, it helps to be at a high school where the head coach is a former NFL quarterback, but the lack of playing time has certainly held Graham back from gaining more offers. He has been adamant about seeking out coaching and instruction from anyone and everyone.
“That’s the biggest feedback right now that I get from colleges,” Graham said. “A lot of them say they will offer me when I come throw in person…that’s kinda the new way for quarterbacks, they want to see you live and in person.”
Dilfer isn’t the only one help groom the next starter for the reigning Division II-AA state champions. Graham’s quarterback coach, Sione Ta’ufo’ou, has been instrumental in his development so far.
“The offseason has really just been about me getting bigger, faster and stronger,” Graham said. “My teammates and I have been working hard in the weight room together…Ta’ufo’ou coaches in the Elite 11 and is our defensive coordinator at Lipscomb. He has been awesome and I’m continuing to improve. Just trying to make some big strides from sophomore to junior year.”
Graham had a close relationship with former Ole Miss offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby. And even though he has now departed for the same position at Oklahoma, Graham and Ole Miss have not skipped a beat.
“Coach (Lane) Kiffin and coach (Charlie) Weis actually came down to see me and my teammate Kaleb Beasley,” Graham said. “It was my first time meeting coach Weis but I’m excited to continue to grow my relationship with him…really like him and it was great seeing coach Kiffin again.”
Kiffin and Weis visited the 2024 quarterback despite being quite busy in the last few months, securing one of the more impressive transfer portal classes in the country. Graham, like most, took notice of the success, especially on the offensive end.
“I’m excited for Jaxson (Dart) to join Hotty Toddy. From what I have watched he is a talented young quarterback that will continue to develop,” Graham said. “I think he will fit the offense well at Ole Miss but I would not count out Luke Altmyer. One game doesn’t define him and he didn’t play bad…just a few young guy mistakes so I think it will be a good battle for the job. But both guys are very talented guys.”
Most expect Graham’s recruitment to pick up as he makes the rounds this spring and summer and throws for staffs in-person. But, for now it seems like the Rebels might have the upper hand.
“Ole Miss is a school I’m beyond interested in. I love everything Kiffin is doing there and could definitely see myself in that powder blue and high-powered offense,” Graham said. “My connection has been the same since they offered me. I’m an underclassman but it’s been great.”
The Nashville, Tenn. prospect is hearing from others, too, though.
“I talk to a lot of schools on a regular basis and I don’t have a favorite, I’m interested in anyone interested in me,” Graham said. “I talk to Kentucky, Ole Miss, Georgia, Mississippi State, Miami, Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Liberty, EKU and more.”
Graham plans on competing at the Elite 11 regionals this spring and will get his first crack at running the Lipscomb Academy offense this fall.
