Ready to Report: Running back Ra'Von Bonner
The incoming Illini freshman class is set to report to campus this weekend to being their college football career.
Next up in our "ready to report” series, Orange and Blue News spotlights 3-star running back Ra'Von Bonner from Cincinnati (Ohio) Sycamore.
Bonner was Lovie Smith's first commitment from the state of Ohio when he pledged to the Illini last September during the high school football season.
The Illini held off a late offer from Iowa and overtures from Ohio State to sign Bonner. Bonner is now ready to make the move to Champaign.
"I'm really looking forward to getting to know new people," Bonner said. "The football part of it, playing Big Ten football has always been a dream. Playing for a coach like Lovie Smith is such a blessing. I'm so excited to play for him."
Bonner also thinks very highly of his position coach Thad Ward, and is looking forward to improving under his tutorage.
"Coach Ward is an energized guy," Bonner said. "I talked to Kendrick Foster, an he said it's the best coach he's every had. He's the real deal, and he really cares about his guys beyond the football aspect. His character is second to known."
Even with Ke'Shawn Vaughn transferring to Vanderbilt in the off-season, the Illini have depth at running back. Kendrick Foster is a returning starter, backed up by Reggie Corbin. Dre Brown, Tre Nation, and frosh Mike Epstein round out the running back corps.
Bonner said he has gotten to know some of the guys he will team with the offensive backfield.
"I've met Kendrick on my visit and we talked a little bit," he said. "Dre Brown was my host on my official visit. He helped me feel more comfortable in my decision. I know Dre better than any of the other guys."
After football is over, Bonner wants to become a minister. He's going on a mission with his church to Guatemala in July. Bonner is enrolled in general studies at Illinois, but will likely declare a major in social work later on in his academic career.
Bonner had an outstanding senior season, rushing for 2,122 yards and 34 touchdowns and was named first team all-state. Also ran track in high school and was part of the state’s fastest 4x100 relay in the state in 2016.
He isn't planning to watch from the sidelines as a freshman. Bonner will enter camp with the mindset of earning his share of carries, and he feels he brings something unique to the Illini ground game.
"Kendrick and Reggie are both really good running backs, but I'm a different type of running back than them," he said. "I'm not saying I'm any better, but I'm just a different style runner. I'm a downhill guy. By the time the season starts I plan to be around 225 pounds."