Bronco Mendenhall’s first team meeting after being introduced as the University of Virginia’s new head coach resonated strongly with linebacker Zach Bradshaw.

“I was blown away with how precise he was and how he wasn’t talking himself in circles,” Bradshaw recalled. “He was very direct. He’s very intelligent. He knows what he’s talking about, and he’s proven he knows what he’s talking about. If you look at BYU, what they were able to do with the talent level they are able to get to go there. I’m super impressed with Coach Mendenhall. Blown away, seriously.”

Barring anything unforeseen, Bradshaw’s first season under Mendenhall will also be his last. He’s excited, though. Almost too excited, as he admits he couldn’t sleep the night before preseason camp opened. Just how much sleep did the rising fourth year get?

“Not nearly enough,” Bradshaw said with a laugh the first day of camp. “And I had an exam this morning, too.”

...