St. George Silver Name Veteran & Defensive Specialist Branden Draper Head Coach for 2026 Kickoff

St. George, Utah / CRWE Press Release / February 6, 2026 —The National Junior College Prep (NJCP) National Football Conference proudly announces Branden Draper as the new Head Coach of the St. George Silver, Southern Utah’s premier junior college prep football program, alongside Mike Grajek, who will serve as the program’s dedicated Recruiter. The NJCP is a nationwide Junior College (JUCO) football conference focused on preparing student-athletes for success on and off the field, and Coach Draper, a 33-year veteran of the Utah Army National Guard, brings decades of proven leadership and discipline honed through military service and over 20 years of coaching experience across high school, college, and semi-professional levels.

Committed to revolutionizing how young men prepare for their futures, Coach Draper is passionate about bringing dedicated mentorship to St. George Silver by instilling core values of leadership, discipline, and accountability.

“We are here to do more than just play football,” said Branden Draper. “By focusing on these principles, we are empowering these athletes to reach their full potential both on the field and in life, providing an innovative environment where players can advance their careers while developing the personal growth necessary to succeed at the next level and beyond.”

To support this mission of excellence, Mike Grajek joins the Silver to focus on identifying overlooked and high-potential athletes who are ready to work within a structured, professional culture. Grajek’s role is vital to the NJCP’s mission of providing a platform for athletes who are ready to stay on the recruiting radar and earn their way to the next level, ensuring that talented players in the Southern Utah area have the resources and exposure required for collegiate advancement.

The St. George Silver compete in the NJCP National Football Conference, a league dedicated to developing athletes academically, athletically, and personally into high-character leaders. Under the guidance of Coach Draper—who is supported by his wife, Camille, their three children, and four grandchildren—the Silver are committed to excellence and teamwork, empowering players to reach their full potential through a holistic development model.

About NJCP Football League: The National Junior College Prep Football League is a nationwide developmental organization focused on preparing student-athletes for success on and off the field. NJCP provides structured opportunities for high school graduates, transfer portal athletes, and overlooked players to continue competing while receiving coaching, mentorship, and exposure to collegiate programs. For more information, please visit www.njcpfootball.com or follow @NJCP_Football on social media.

For media inquiries or partnership opportunities, contact:

National Junior College Prep Football League

Email: admin@njcpfootball.com

Phone: (435) 862-9366