On this particular day, an assistant coach from Michigan dropped by the school to make a sales pitch to young Sam.
The coach knew that, in addition to being an all-state quarterback, Bradford also played on the basketball and golf teams at Putnam City North. Which presented him with an opportunity to drop Michigan alum Tom Brady's name into the conversation for the 100th time.
"You know, son," the coach said. "Tom is a big golfer. I think I probably could arrange for you to play a round with him. Would you like that? He'd give you a few strokes, of course."
Bradford looked at the coach, smiled, and without the slightest hint of arrogance, replied, "I don't need any strokes."
The coach chuckled and said, "I admire your confidence, Sam. But Tom's a scratch golfer."
"He may be," he said. "But I don't need any strokes."