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With 8 days left until the Virginia Tech Hokies face the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, we turn our attention to #8 on roster Mr. Detrick Bonner. Bonner has transitioned well from cornerback to free safety this off-season. In fact, the Georgia native may end up being one of our better playmakers in the secondary this year. He’s been productive in the scrimmages so far and Bonner is a very football savvy player. He may need a few games to get going but once he gets his feet wet at free safety, he’ll be ready to role against the meat of our schedule.
The Scoop
Height: 6’0”
Weight:198 lbs
Position: Free Safety
Year: R-Sophomore
High School: Luelia High School
How Did He Get Here?
It’s amazing how Virginia Tech can go into an SEC state and steal one away from the Bulldogs and Yellow Jackets with such ease. Bonner was not a well known prospect until he received an offer from the Hokies after one of their summer camps. After that, an avalanche of offers poured in from the likes of Louisville, Michigan, Mississippi State, Toledo, Troy, and UCF just to name a few. However, Bonner gave his pledge to the Hokies on July 16th 2009 and signed his LOI that February.
2011 Season Rewind
Much like fellow defensive back Kyle Fuller, Bonner started at multiple positions last fall. He received three starts at cornerback and one start at WHIP linebacker. That experience should benefit him this fall as he makes the transition to free safety.
Bonner finished the 2011 season with 27 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, one interception, and one fumble recovery. That’s a productive season for a redshirt freshman.
2012 Prediction
Even with the lack of proven depth, or for that matter, proven starters in our two-deep, I still have a lot of faith in this group. Virginia Tech is known for producing quality defensive backs and Torrian Gray is the best defensive backs coach in the country. As long as this group can stay healthy, I think end up with one of the better statistical secondaries in the country this season.
Bonner showed a lot of promise this spring and that confidence has carried over to this fall. So far, Bonner has done a great job of staying poised and making the correct calls from the free safety position. It’s his job to get everyone lined up properly and it’s his job to call out any changes in the offense. Plus, with his cover skills, I like having four guys deep who all have cornerback experience. That will come in handy against UNC, Clemson, and Florida State this season.
Completely Made Up Fact
Even though he has never worked there, Bonner was recently fired from “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”
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Bonner had some good and bad moments last year as a Freshman. But just think about how good he will be this year and next year. Good size and athletism. We got a steal from GA, I feel he’s going to have a breakout year.