‘Coming from nothing,’ Bonner shines
Linell Bonner is sitting in a corner of the University of Houston’s Athletic-Alumni Center discussing a decorated college football career that almost never happened.
Playing in a run-based offense at Dekaney High School, Bonner did not get many pass-catching opportunities and, subsequently, any interest from college recruiters. Not a single offer? “Nope,” he said matterof-factly.
Former Dekaney quarterback and current UH teammate D’Juan Hines, standing nearby, replied: “He was a gem.”
Maybe that’s why Bonner chose to reflect on social media recently, posting a series of photos that show him going from walk-on receiver in 2013 to some of his most memorable catches the last two seasons. He will wrap up his career in the Hawaii Bowl as one of the top receivers in school history in receptions and yardage.
“I guess I was one of those hidden talents that just didn’t get noticed in high school,” Bonner said. “I wouldn’t want it any other way. My dad always raised me to go get what you want. Earn it. If you don’t work, you’re not going to get it. I wouldn’t want it handed to me.”
When it came time to find a school, Bonner knew he would have to take the walkon route. He was scheduled to go on a late visit to Prairie View A&M, but he eventually talked with former assistant Jamie Christian about a walk-on opportunity with the Cougars.
“My dad said Houston if he was going to pay for it,” Bonner said.
He was given a leftover jersey number 48 when he arrived and spent the 2013 season on the scout team. There was a period of adjustment, Bonner said, with not knowing anybody on the team except for Hines. He quickly became friends with John Leday, Nomluis Fruge, Chauntez Jackson and Derek McLemore that Bonner said “got me out of my shell.”
“Everything started clicking on the football field,” he said.
On days he wanted to save gas money driving back to Spring, Bonner slept on an air mattress at Hines’ apartment.
“I’m proud of him,” said Hines, who has played football with Bonner since middle school. “That’s my brother for life. I’m proud of him that he’s successful and he strived for greatness the way he did and reached it.”
On the field, Bonner admittedly had his early struggles. He was kicked out of one-on-one drills once after a particularly tough day.
“It was rough in my early days,” Bonner said. “I had a horrible day. I looked like somebody’s little son going against veterans. That just drove me.”
In the spring of his second season, Bonner had a dropped pass during another tough practice and stayed after for extra work. In the extra session, Bonner came down awkwardly on his knee while running a fade route. The injury would cost him the 2014 season.
All the hard work paid off as Bonner was put on scholarship before the 2015 season by new coach Tom Herman. Bonner responded with 25 catches for 317 yards and five touchdowns as the Cougars went 13-1, won the American Athletic Conference title and beat Florida State in the Peach Bowl.
With the departure of veteran receivers Demarcus Ayers and Chance Allen after the season, Bonner stepped into a more prominent role in the UH passing game. He had a career season in 2016 with 98 receptions (fifth nationally) and 1,118 yards.
“It’s a great testament to him,” coach Major Applewhite said. … He understands the offense, knows where to be, knows his routes and has dependable hands. He’s one of those guys that’s so consistent that plays find him.”
As Bonner wraps up his career against Fresno State in the Hawaii Bowl, he will finish in the top 10 in receptions (currently ninth with 188). His 2,187 yards is 11th in school history. Together with Steven Dunbar, another senior, the Cougars have one of the top receiving duos in the nation.
Even before the season began, Bonner had graduated with a bachelor’s degree in retailing and consumer sciences.
“It definitely means something,” Bonner said. “Coming from nothing and not being noticed by anybody, and now my name is up there with the great receivers of the University of Houston. That’s great company to be with it.
“I told myself I could do it — and I went out and did it,” he said.