Projecting the Future: Deion Bonner

by Brad Shepard on Jan 24, 2012 9:53 PM EST in Tennessee Volunteers Recruiting

DEION BONNER, 5-11, 185 CB COLUMBUS, GA. [CARVER HS]

Ratings: Rivals 4* No. 19 cornerback No. 227 overall player in the nation No. 37 player in Georgia, Scout 3* No. 28 safety, ESPN 4* No. 15 cornerback No. 20 player in Georgia, 247 3* No. 35 cornerback. Chose UT over Oklahoma, Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Southern Cal, Auburn, Clemson, Florida State, Miami, South Carolina, Florida, others. [Note not all these offers were committable].

STRENGTHS: Has very good size, and his speed is certainly not bad for a big corner. He has elite potential, including some of the best ball skills in this year's class of defensive backs. His break on the ball is excellent, and he has the ability to make players miss when he gets the ball in his hands. Unlike some analysts, I'm actually impressed by his technique. I think he pivots well and really looks impressive when the ball is in the air. He isn't afraid to go up and get it.

NEEDS WORK: Needless to say, his character is a major, major question mark. I don't care how contrite he is, the Vols are taking a major gamble going after him. He is a potential public relations hit for the school if he ever has a brush with trouble, and you've got to think he has a short leash. He isn't as fluid as you'd like your DBs to be, and sometimes, maybe he is a bit too aggressive. He looks very coachable on the field though.

CREDENTIALS: First-team all-state while only playing five games this past year. He also was the MVP of the Georgia All-Star game. Rivals reported his statistics incorrectly for his senior year, but he still had a huge season, registering 53 tackles, including three tackles for a loss, and getting five interceptions. He broke up four passes and forced a fumble. He had two interceptions in the all-star game while covering former UT commitment Keithon Redding.

OPTIMISTIC CEILING: If he doesn't become Janzen Jackson Part Deux [and we're not suggesting he will] he looks to have a bright future in Knoxville. He is more talented than any cornerback on UT's roster except for possibly Justin Coleman. He will have every opportunity to come in and win a starting job. The Vols haven't shown they have anybody who breaks on the ball well, and that is Bonner's forte. He really could be a star, the kind of corner with swagger that you love to see. He reminds me a lot of another Columbus Carver product, Alabama's Dequan Menzie. And Menzie -- who was nearly a Vol -- will be playing a lot on Sundays next year.

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Comments

I think we have a solid enough core of character guys now

that we can take a calculated chance or two. You have to trust Dooley and staff’s judgement that he’s basically a good kid who made a stupid mistake. Those are different than the perenially bad decision poor character kids like Nukeese (sp?). As long as they’re brought in with the understanding that they’ll be under more supervision and a short leash, I’m fine with this.

phil g - January 25, 2012 reply

I really hope

He keeps it clean. It looks like he could be a heck of a ball player.

ReebaVol - January 25, 2012 reply

Ball player or not..

my hope is the same as it is for many…..that he becomes a respectable member of society.
Imagine how so called good people who’ve never messed up in a unsavory manner, receive death threats (ie 49ers/Ravens players) when they fall short of expectations.
Deion, I’m in your corner pulling for you, as are many other compassionate human beings who believe in reconciliation. Make us proud. Buy into the VFL concept (ball or no ball)…..it’s a start to a better life.

SLSmi - January 25, 2012 reply