Post by fwp on Apr 18, 2010 8:52:21 GMT -5
www.lacrossetribune.com/sports/article_4a5dc9a4-4aa5-11df-9698-001cc4c002e0.html
What you see, says Mark Bonds, is the result of patience.
The 10-minute video of Bonds posted on YouTube could be considered a greatest hits package of his days at Western Michigan University. Bonds is now a running back with the La Crosse Spartans and nearly three years removed from his last game with the NCAA Division I Broncos. But the memories still make him smile.
The opening clip alone - shot during a nonconference game against Virginia in 2006 when Bonds was a junior - is an attention-getter. He takes the handoff at Western Michigan's 23-yard line. He pauses for a split second at the line of scrimmage and cuts right. He squeezes through the narrowest of holes, eluding a Virginia defensive lineman who is left grasping at air as he falls on his stomach.
Then Bonds is off to the races. It takes a mad dash by a Virginia defensive back to eventually haul down Bonds. But by then, he's at the Hokies' 21.
"It was a fun offense (at Western Michigan)," Bonds said. "It was a zone scheme, which fits my style of play. You wait for the hole to develop, and then you break through it. It was great."
A part of Bonds wishes he could go back to Western Michigan. He had a stellar career there: 2,453 yards rushing, 19 touchdowns. He believes he's even better now. Perhaps good enough to help him get to the next level. Bonds had a tryout with the Cleveland Browns in 2008. He hopes it won't be his last encounter with an NFL franchise.
But that patience that serves Bonds so well on the field must keep him going off it.
It's late Friday afternoon. Bonds and the rest of the Spartans are preparing for practice at Wittenberg Park on La Crosse's North Side. The Spartans are 0-5 heading into this afternoon's game against the Sioux City Bandits (2-3) at the La Crosse Center. It's been a rough start.
Yet Bonds eagerly signed with the Spartans after coach Gilbert Brown contacted him in March. He's been given a chance to do something he enjoys, and that's all he can ask for.
"I came up here to play for (Brown)," Bonds said. "I hope this will lead to bigger things. The NFL, the CFL ... wherever it will take me."
The Spartans' offense has gone nowhere far too many times this season. La Crosse is averaging 20.4 points and 117.8 yards a game.
But Bonds has given the Spartans' ground game a boost.
He's rushed for 190 yards and six touchdowns on 48 carries, which is fifth in the IFL. Five of his touchdowns have come in the last two weeks.
"It's a two-dimensional game. You've got to keep your offense balanced," Bonds said. "You don't want it to be pass, pass, pass all the time. It's good to have a running game, too."
It goes without saying Bonds hopes to continue being an integral part of the Spartans' offense. It also goes without saying he hopes he doesn't make the IFL his permanent home.
But for now, Bonds is willing to sit tight, be patient and make the most of his opportunity.
"I have trust in my teammates," Bonds said. "And I want them to know they can trust me to do my job."
What you see, says Mark Bonds, is the result of patience.
The 10-minute video of Bonds posted on YouTube could be considered a greatest hits package of his days at Western Michigan University. Bonds is now a running back with the La Crosse Spartans and nearly three years removed from his last game with the NCAA Division I Broncos. But the memories still make him smile.
The opening clip alone - shot during a nonconference game against Virginia in 2006 when Bonds was a junior - is an attention-getter. He takes the handoff at Western Michigan's 23-yard line. He pauses for a split second at the line of scrimmage and cuts right. He squeezes through the narrowest of holes, eluding a Virginia defensive lineman who is left grasping at air as he falls on his stomach.
Then Bonds is off to the races. It takes a mad dash by a Virginia defensive back to eventually haul down Bonds. But by then, he's at the Hokies' 21.
"It was a fun offense (at Western Michigan)," Bonds said. "It was a zone scheme, which fits my style of play. You wait for the hole to develop, and then you break through it. It was great."
A part of Bonds wishes he could go back to Western Michigan. He had a stellar career there: 2,453 yards rushing, 19 touchdowns. He believes he's even better now. Perhaps good enough to help him get to the next level. Bonds had a tryout with the Cleveland Browns in 2008. He hopes it won't be his last encounter with an NFL franchise.
But that patience that serves Bonds so well on the field must keep him going off it.
It's late Friday afternoon. Bonds and the rest of the Spartans are preparing for practice at Wittenberg Park on La Crosse's North Side. The Spartans are 0-5 heading into this afternoon's game against the Sioux City Bandits (2-3) at the La Crosse Center. It's been a rough start.
Yet Bonds eagerly signed with the Spartans after coach Gilbert Brown contacted him in March. He's been given a chance to do something he enjoys, and that's all he can ask for.
"I came up here to play for (Brown)," Bonds said. "I hope this will lead to bigger things. The NFL, the CFL ... wherever it will take me."
The Spartans' offense has gone nowhere far too many times this season. La Crosse is averaging 20.4 points and 117.8 yards a game.
But Bonds has given the Spartans' ground game a boost.
He's rushed for 190 yards and six touchdowns on 48 carries, which is fifth in the IFL. Five of his touchdowns have come in the last two weeks.
"It's a two-dimensional game. You've got to keep your offense balanced," Bonds said. "You don't want it to be pass, pass, pass all the time. It's good to have a running game, too."
It goes without saying Bonds hopes to continue being an integral part of the Spartans' offense. It also goes without saying he hopes he doesn't make the IFL his permanent home.
But for now, Bonds is willing to sit tight, be patient and make the most of his opportunity.
"I have trust in my teammates," Bonds said. "And I want them to know they can trust me to do my job."