In his family’s darkest hours, Brad Kragthorpe personified the adage “life ain’t always beautiful.” The 19-year-old quarterback who longed to start anew in an unfamiliar setting at Idaho State quickly realized life on his own would have none of the glamour he envisioned. Add in the jolting Parkinson’s disease diagnosis of his father, LSU quarterbacks coach Steve Kragthorpe, and his mother Cynthia’s ongoing battle with multiple sclerosis, and Brad’s idealistic vision of life in Idaho was all but shattered. “I quickly learned [living on your own] isn’t as great as it seems,” Brad said. “[His father’s diagnosis] was one of those things that changes your perspective.” With Steve’s diagnosis coming merely months after signing day, it would be virtually impossible for Brad to renege on his commitment. He eventually spent last season as a redshirt and was primed to be in contention for the primary back-up role. But with the allure of life at home, Brad knew the decision he needed to make. “There was no doubt I missed my family a lot,” Brad said. “With both my parents and their current illnesses, we felt it was very important to be together at this time.” Steve said he now relishes having his entire family together again, recalling how at this time last year, his oldest son Chris was in Chicago, Brad was in Idaho and his youngest son Nik was in Baton Rouge. “I think it was a good experience for [Brad] to get away,” Steve said. “He enjoyed his time there, but at the same time, he’s a guy that’s close to his brothers, myself and my wife.” With seasoned junior quarterbacks Zach Mettenberger and Rob Bolden ahead of him, Brad is aware of the uphill battle he faces to command the huddle on Saturday nights in Tiger Stadium. But that’s not stopping him from trying to make an impact on the practice field. “I’m going to do whatever I can do to help the team, whether it’s on scout team or special teams,” Brad said. Now coaching alongside his son Chris – a graduate assistant defensive coach for the Tigers – and mentoring Brad on the practice field, Steve said the Kragthorpe family dynamic has taken off in Baton Rouge. Steve was quick to quash any hint of preferential treatment for Brad – something he hasn’t given into during the many years he has coached him. “Brad’s always been the one I’ve been able to coach,” Steve said. “He’s my son when he’s off the field, but he’s one of my players when he’s on the field.” And as for Brad, or “little