From Arizona to Texas A&M, Buffalo and Tulsa, along with a few other stops before LSU, senior quarterback Brad Kragthorpe grew up with a football in his hand as he moved around the country, following wherever his father’s job took the family.
Coaching is a family tradition for the Kragthorpes. Brad’s father, Steve, followed in his father Dave’s footsteps. Dave was a college head coach at South Dakota State, Idaho State and Oregon State.
Growing up around a football environment pushed Brad Kragthorpe to pursue a career in coaching.
“I’ve always been around it my whole life. I can’t really see myself doing anything else,” Kragthorpe said.
After graduating in May 2015 with a bachelor’s degree from LSU’s E.J. Ourso College of Business, Kragthorpe entered graduate school, focusing on football and school during the fall before figuring out his future plans.
“I’d like to be a graduate assistant coach somewhere and hopefully find a good spot where I can continue grad school and start my coaching career as well.”
Landing at LSU wasn’t always in Kragthorpe’s plan. After graduating from high school in Tulsa, Okla., he wanted to move away from home and ended up as a backup quarterback at Idaho State.
Meanwhile, his family ended up in Baton Rouge, where his father, Steve, was named the offensive coordinator. Shortly after his arrival in 2011, Steve was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and he now works as the LSU program’s Chief of Staff.
Brad Kragthorpe was not enjoying his time in Pocatello, Idaho, as much as he wished to have. After two quarterbacks LSU intended on signing did not, his father suggested he walk-on to the program and move to Baton Rouge, and Brad jumped on the opportunity.
“It’s been awesome,” Kragthorpe said. “It’s been good to see my father here every day. Being in the meeting room with him every day was a great experience my first year here when he was my coach. It’s awesome having him around.”
While his father has always served as his mentor, Brad has transitioned into a mentor role for the younger LSU quarterbacks.
“Brad’s a huge part of what Brandon (Harris) does,” said LSU tight end Colin Jeter. “He really gives him a lot of teaching lessons and helps him with plays in and out.”
Kragthorpe has spent the majority of his time at LSU signaling plays from the sidelines, acting as an additional coach during games.
“I just try to help Brandon and Anthony (Jennings) out as much as I can, especially during games with (offensive coordinator) Cam (Cameron) being up in the press box,” Kragthorpe explained. “I try to be a calming presence for them on the sideline, the same thing in the meeting room. We just talk about different things defenses do and tips that can potentially show us what they are going to do, the things that first-year starters don’t always see.”
Kragthorpe also worked his way into the starting holder position during the 2014 season.
“One thing I know about Brad is that he has a very consistent character, which reflects on his play, as he is consistent on the field as well,” LSU placekicker Trent Domingue said. “I really have full reliability on him. I have no worry at all on any kick if the hold is going to be on the right spot or not. I literally don’t have to worry about it—that’s how consistent he is.”
Kragthorpe’s discipline is reflected on and off of the field, as he is a member of the Unity Council, a small group of players selected by the team as the vocal leaders.
“We always say ‘Kragthorpe for Heisman.’ Whenever he makes a play at practice, we all go nuts,” Jeter said.
He almost had a glory moment in the 2014 Music City Bowl, as he nearly scored a fake field goal attempt, but was tackled – according to the officials – just short of the goal line. Despite the outcome, Kragthorpe says that it is one of the best opportunities he’s had while at LSU.
At the end of the day, Kragthorpe brings a plethora of knowledge to the field and brings a level of comfort to the quarterbacks and the field goal unit.
“He’s brings a security blanket of knowledge to the field,” said LSU quarterback Jake Clise. “If you’re on the field and you’re not really sure of something, you can look over at Brad and ask him to give you some help, and he will always help you out.”