Bragg was a former all-state offensive tackle in Tennessee . He was voted Lineman of the Year in his home state as well as being selected prep school All-American. He won three letters in football and two more in track. He was also voted the outstanding lineman in the state championship game his senior year.

Bragg had an outstanding freshman year at WVU and was thought to be fighting a close battle with Frank Samsa for the starting position of defensive tackle in the fall of his sophomore year. He moved to offensive guard during spring drill after his freshman season and started there his sophomore year. Bragg was considered a quiet fighter and well liked by his teammates. As a junior, he started all but two games as an offensive guard. His senior year he was slated to start at offensive tackle. That year he was one of the three captains elected by his teammates.