Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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I will be working hard to get some playing time and help contribute to the team. In the 4-3, I'll be a defensive end and will have to work the outside and get a pass rush." Right now, Bonner stands at 245 pounds, but the Irish staff has in- formed him they would like to see the Chesterfield, Mo., product grow to 255 pounds once he arrives this summer. "We really project him to be an out- side player for us, an edge player, rush player, a guy that gets after the quar- terback," Irish head coach Brian Kelly said. "I really was impressed with Jon- athan, his personality, his character." Bonner has already developed a number of close relationships with FILM ANALYSIS Strengths Bonner's length jumps out immediately on film … He has long arms and he plays faster than he is due to his terrific wingspan … He also has outstanding athleticism and plus speed, which allows him to pursue the football quickly … Has received scholarship offers to play defensive end and tight end at the next level, a testament to his versatility … Fits Notre Dame's 3-4 defense perfectly. Areas To Improve Is very strong, but he doesn't use it to his advantage well … When rushing the passer, he primarily uses his speed and athleticism to pursue the quarterback, but he has the size, strength and power to get to the ball quicker by going through the defender rather than around him … Possesses impressive speed, but at times he can run himself out of the play by getting too aggressive … Needs to keep his feet mov- ing, stay patient, then explode to the football … Will likely grow into a defensive end … Appears to be a likely redshirt candidate in year one.