Player Profile

"I just try to keep everybody's mind on the game " - Brent Bonner B lacksburg's Brent Bonner didn't look far for his role models. He calls them "dad and "uncle."

His father, Cecil, and uncle, Cornelius, both have impressive resumes.

Cecil was known as a punishing hitter as a standout linebacker at Gaffney and Gardner- Webb University before moving on to the coaching ranks.

Cornelius starred at the University of Cincinnati and had a productive professional career at several arena football league stops.

"I watched my uncle play and I wanted to be a wide receiver," Brent said. "I played linebacker, too, so I wanted to be just like my dad, too."

Brent did more than just watch his dad and uncle. He trained with them during summer workout sessions.

"I wanted to get better," he said.

Brent is developing into the big play performer both on offense and defense the Wildcats need. He caught a fourth-quarter, 23- yard touchdown to secure the Wildcats' win over Southside Christian. Prior to the TD catch, he stopped a Sabre drive with an interception.

"It was one of my best games," he said. "I had to get focused and things just fell into place. I feel like when I get the ball, I should do something good with it."

Brent has impressed Blacksburg coach Mickey Moss.

"He's just a great kid," Moss said. "He's also becoming a leader for us."

That's not by accident, Brent said.

"I just try to keep everybody's mind on the game," he said.

And that starts with paying attention to details during practice, he said.

With his family's affinity for football, it was natural he would get an early start in the sport. After playing on the middle school teams in Blacksburg, he moved to Anderson to play at T.L. Hanna, where his father served as an assistant coach.

"I went there because of my dad," he said.

The father/son bond turned into a player/coach relationship at T.L. Hanna.

"My dad was my jayvee coach," Brent said. "He was on me a little more than the other players. It wasn't a father and son relationship, it was a coach and player relationship."

Brent said he improved as a player from his experience at T.L. Hanna. But he still missed Blacksburg, the place he calls home. He returned to Blacksburg last year, the same year that Moss was hired.

"I came back cause I felt like I had to be back home," he said. "Coach Moss welcomed me with open arms."

Last year, he showed his versatility be playing wide receiver, outside linebacker and defensive end. This year, his role is just as important as a starting wide receiver and linebacker.

"I love it because I love the game," he said. "I grew up loving the game and if you're in love with the game, you play through it."

Brent thinks big things are in store for the Wildcats, who enter today's contest with a 1-1 mark.

"This year we are more of a team," he said. "We really pull together as a team. We aren't a one-person team. I think this year we can go far."