Redshirt Freshman Kamal Bonner made quite an impression on the NC State Defensive Coaches last year, earning a spot on the the 2-Deep Depth Chart as a True Freshman.
When asked what he thought he did to gain their attention, he said he played fast and grew fast.
“I don’t really know what I did well. I just think I took care of my business,” said Bonner. “I played fast, even if I did mess up. I grew fast, and I know the book a lot.”
Bonner was running with the 1’s on the 1st Day of Spring Practice, and one of the reasons he finds himself in the position he finds himself now is due to the influence of former NC State Linebacker Payton Wilson.
“I learned a lot of things from Payton (Wilson) this year. He just taught me a lot of tips and ways to be that fast Linebacker too,” said Bonner. “I’m pretty fast, I ain’t slow, you know, but I’m probably not Payton Wilson though. He taught me how to see the game more. Learning concepts. Route concepts. Seeing the Backs. Noticing when the Linemen are light or heavy. He just helped me a lot.”
Bonner might have been sent out there with the 1’s on the first day of Spring Camp, but that doesn’t mean he’s locked up the starting spot at the SAM Linebacker position. Redshirt Freshman Kelvon McBride is in competition, and I could see Auburn Transfer Cam Riley competing for that job when he gets on campus.
“What I see is a lot of work. Everybody wants to be in that spot,” said. Bonner. “The best three are going to be out there.”