Darrius Bratton was an under-the-radar recruit when he attended William Fleming High School (Roanoke, VA). He was under-the-radar when he attended Fork Union Military Academy (VA) as a postgraduate in 2016. In both cases, the University of Virginia cornerback had 2-star rankings from national recruiting outlets Rivals and 247Sports.com.

Bratton may not have arrived in Charlottesville with much fanfare, but he is certainly earning his place in the spotlight. In 2017, he was one of 17 true freshmen to the see the field, playing in nine of UVA’s 13 games. Bratton has kept working and improving, catching the attention of coaches and teammates alike with his progress this spring and summer.

“I think most impressive so far since summer is probably Darrius Bratton and the way he has come into the preseason,” Virginia sophomore safety Joey Blount told TheSabre.com during fall camp. “Repped out his press. Repped out his off man. Got into the film room, really trying to show coach and really showing all of us that he’s here to work and to try to start a legacy. I think he’s done a great job. He’s impressed me with his game.”

Virginia head coach Bronco Mendenhall rewarded Bratton’s performance with a starting role in the Cavaliers’ season opener versus Richmond. The 6’0”, 195-pound sophomore beat out sixth-year senior Tim Harris for the starting corner spot opposite junior Bryce Hall. He didn’t know he was starting until right before kickoff last Saturday night.

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