Why Riverdale football quarterback Braden Graham is poised for a breakout season
Braden Graham had a solid first year as Riverdale football quarterback after transferring from Lipscomb Academy.
But he knows it could have been a lot better, and he's intent on a breakout senior campaign with the Warriors in 2023.
The three-star prospect is poised to do just that.
"I wasn't pleased with how last year went, but we have a chance to do really good things this year," said the 6-foot-1, 205-pound Graham, who is ranked by 247Sports Composite as the No. 46 player in Tennessee and No. 78 quarterback nationally in the 2024 Class. "I'm grateful to lead this group of guys, and I'm really excited to get back into things."
Graham completed 124 of 233 for 1,528 yards, 14 touchdowns and five interceptions for a Riverdale team that finished 6-5, falling 41-34 to Lebanon in the first round of the 6A playoffs.
He managed those numbers behind an inexperienced line, playing with an ankle injury that hindered his mobility and after having lost his top two receivers before the season began.
Things have changed a lot heading in 2023. Graham not only has both running backs (Isaiah Verser, D.J. Taylor) and a more experienced line back, but talented wide receiver Keshawn Williams is back after missing all of 2022 and Riverdale added all-state wide receiver and three-star prospect Brock Montgomery (a Friendship Christian transfer).
"Things didn't go perfect, but I learned a lot about myself as a player on and off the field," said Graham. "Brock moved in, which I'm super stoked about. Keshawn is a 'who is that' guy, but people are going to know who he is real soon. He's one of the most talented wide receivers in Tennessee.
"I'm really excited about this group. We have a lot more talent offensively. We've got two phenomenal running backs and a senior-heavy offensive line. It's a really good group. We just have to stay humble and stay motivated each and every day. We've got the athletes that can make the plays."
The Warriors open the season Aug. 18 at home against Smyrna.
Graham suffered a dislocated index finger after hitting his throwing hand on a helmet during practice last week. However, he was back on the practice field this week and should be good to go for the start of the season.
A team that was previously built on defense, the Warriors' offense may take center stage behind Graham and Co. this season.
"Graham met with (his receivers) every day or every other day during the offseason, going over routes in the meeting room and practice room," Riverdale coach Will Kriesky said. "(The addition of Montgomery and Williams) gives him the opportunity to get the ball in different players' hands. He has a lot of guys around him to help him be successful this year."
MORE: Oakland football lost a lot, but still the team to beat under coach Kevin Creasy | Joyce
Graham had picked up offers from schools such as Georgia, Ole Miss, Louisville and Duke prior to enrolling at Riverdale. He has racked up more since, many in the Group of 5 range, including Cincinnati, James Madison, Furman, Charlotte and Miami (Ohio).
He said he has a list of teams he's most interested in right now, but is keeping that close to the vest. A strong start to his senior year could increase the recruiting activity.
"It's been an interesting process," Graham said. "Obviously things change with the coaching game, and the transfer portal affected some things for a lot of people. I'm just trying to find the right spot. I'm not worried about a logo or a conference. I didn't expect it to take this long, but there's no rush in it.
"Things change so fast in this game. I see value in where I can be developed as a player and hit my ceiling and get on the field the fastest. I'm enjoying it and just staying focused on the team. If I handle business on the field, the rest will take care of itself."
This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: TSSAA football: Riverdale quarterback Braden Graham poised for big year
