Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/259072
BY ANDREW OWENS J onathan Bonner didn't have to think twice about committing to Notre Dame when safeties coach Bob El- liott offered him a spot in the eventual 23-player haul last June. It was an offer Bonner had worked toward his entire life. Coming from a Notre Dame family — Bonner's uncle, Dan Knott, played for the Irish in the 1970s, and Bonner's grandfather, Elmon Hampton, is for- mer Irish safety Sergio Brown's godfa- ther — it was the right decision at the right time. "Looking back on it, I haven't had any regrets or second thoughts since I made the decision," said Bonner, who attended a number of Blue-Gold Games growing up. "It just feels right." The 6-4, 250-pound lineman (he also played tight end in high school) didn't wow recruiting analysts with his play and received a three-star rating, but after his senior season he is viewed as a player with high upside and even a future NFL player by industry analyst Tom Lemming. One factor playing in Bonner's favor is the possible switch in defensive ide- ology. Although the Irish still project to split time evenly between the 4-3 and 3-4, new defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder's history is with the former, which especially fits Bonner's play. "With the 4-3 it's more what I'm used to, so I'll have a little knowledge of how that's supposed to be played," Bonner said. "I just want to compete for a spot like every other freshman going in. "It definitely won't be easy, but Jonathan Bonner Brings Irish Connections To Notre Dame Bonner compiled 86 total stops, 26 tackles for loss and 17 sacks during his senior campaign at Chesterfield (Mo.) Parkway Central. PHOTO COURTESY BONNER FAMILY