Having played in only three games this season, WIU freshman Aa’zoriyon Bonner has 13 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack. (Photo by GoLeathernecks.com)
By Barry Bottino
When Western Illinois defensive coordinator Landon Fox watched recruiting videos of Aa’zoriyon Bonner, he saw a lot to like.
“Watching his video, you saw a good athlete, a good basketball player,” Fox said of Bonner, who played defensive back, linebacker and defensive line.
Like many freshmen, Bonner’s arrival in Macomb involved a lot of lessons. “As a coach, you can see there’s ability, but he’s probably going to redshirt,” Fox said. “It’s very common. He was learning the system.”
When placed on scout teams for defense and special teams, Bonner took the coaches’ advice to heart. An Ohio native who also ran track and played basketball at Sandusky High School, Bonner recalled, “The coaches said, ‘You never know when it will be your opportunity,’ so I just worked hard.”
That effort led to flashes on the practice field, game reps on special teams and then appearances in the last three games on WIU’s defense at the Star (hybrid safety/linebacker) position. Bonner will get more opportunities Saturday when the Leathernecks (1-6 overall, 0-3 Ohio Valley Conference-Big South Football Association) host Charleston Southern (1-6, 0-3) at 3 p.m. for Homecoming. (ESPN-Plus)
On Sept. 27 in Macomb, Bonner’s scout team work led to a spot on the punt team, where he blocked a kick against Eastern Illinois in the third quarter, which set up a WIU touchdown.
“In practice, the coaches saw how fast I was rushing off the edge,” Bonner said. “(Against EIU) I came hard off the edge, and the guys in the middle got some penetration as well, which led to us getting that block.”
At Star, Bonner’s athleticism is put to use in various ways.
“That guy (at Star) has to have the ability to play coverage and the ability to blitz,” Fox said. “He has to play run and pass. He fits in that role of a utility knife to do it all.
“His role going forward is only going to continue to increase.”
In only three games, Bonner is eighth on the team with 13 total tackles and has 2.5 tackles for loss.
“Just being on the field means a lot to me,” Bonner said. “I want to be wherever the coaches feel is my best fit.”
This week’s opponent
Offense has been a struggle for Charleston Southern, which averages 15.6 points a game and is last in the league in passing yards (153.9 a game). CSU has used three different quarterbacks early in the season, with starter Zolten Osborne completing 54% of his passes and tossing three touchdowns but also five interceptions. … Senior linebacker Justin Waters leads the nation this fall with seven forced fumbles. He’s also the team’s second-leading tackler with 54 stops. Senior defensive lineman Malik McKinzie has team highs in sacks (4.5) and tackles for loss (seven). … Redshirt freshman wide receiver Rashawn Cunningham has two touchdown catches this fall. As a team, CSU has only three receiving TDs. … Sophomore running back Ke’Marion Baldwin is leading the conference in rushing with 81.3 yards a game and is tied for the lead with six rushing TDs. Baldwin posted a season-high 175 yards and three touchdowns against Gardner-Webb on Oct. 4. … The CSU defense is strong against the pass but ranks seventh in the OVC-Big South against the run. The Bucs give up more than 205 yards a game on the ground and have allowed 16 rushing touchdowns, the third-highest total in the league.
Kickoff: 3 p.m.; TV: ESPN-Plus; Radio: Q981fm.com
Key matchup to watch
WIU QB Cason Carswell vs. Charleston Southern pass defense: In three career games as a true freshman, Carswell has provided the Leathernecks with a big spark. Carswell has won the OVC-Big South Freshman of the Week honor two weeks in a row as a starter. He has completed 70% of his passes this season and thrown seven touchdowns but only one interception. The Bucs, meanwhile, rank second in the conference in pass defense at 220.4 yards a game and have collected five interceptions.
What’s at stake?
Both teams are 1-6 overall and are still seeking their first conference victory.
Quick hits
Western’s red-zone offense ranks fifth nationally with 21 scores (15 touchdowns, six field goals) in 22 attempts this season. “That’s one of the bright spots of our offense,” WIU head coach Joe Davis said. “We’ve been very consistent. It’s something we spend a lot of time on.” … Junior running back Markell Holman has been “our bellcow” this season, Davis said. Holman, a transfer from Saint Francis, ranks fourth in the OVC-Big South with 73.6 yards per game. “Markell is a very intelligent player,” Davis said. “He’s not a mistake repeater. He’s an excellent pass protector. We’re really lucky to have him. We just haven’t been able to get him loose.” Davis said creating longer runs via better blocking for Holman, who ranks 15th in the conference with 4.3 yards per carry, is a priority in the next two months. … Senior wide receiver Demari Davis leads the league in receiving yards per game (83.6) and has 15 yards more than the No. 2 receiver, Southeast Missouri’s Cam Pedro (68.3). … Ten freshmen or redshirt freshmen are among the WIU two-deep depth chart this week. Davis said the team is playing approximately 20 freshmen. “We have a lot to be hopeful for and build on,” he said. Along with Carswell, true freshmen Tyler Sulsberger (right tackle), Jalen Nicolas (defensive end) and Don Paul Keith (cornerback) are listed as starters. … Redshirt freshman running back Avery Knight, who has been out with a left leg injury since fall camp, will not play this season. “Medically, it was determined he’s not ready for full contact yet,” Davis said. “We do not anticipate seeing him (on the field) this fall.” Knight, who was WIU’s top back coming out of spring practice, rushed for 8.1 yards per carry and one touchdown on nine carries last season.
Barry Bottino is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin and a 19-year veteran of three Illinois newspapers. He has covered college athletics since 1995.
Find us on social media!
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/PSPigskin
Facebook: Prairie State Pigskin
Instagram: Prairiestatepigskin
Blue Sky: PSPigskin
Prairie State Pigskin 
Leave a comment