Notre Dame football recruiting: Bonner’s ties to Notre Dame run deep

Prior to arriving at Notre Dame last Saturday, Jonathan Bonner said he had not been receiving a ton of attention from the Irish.

Four days later, his college recruitment was over.

"It has not sunk in yet," Bonner said Wednesday evening via cell phone. "I'm still processing it now."

Notre Dame is now processing another addition to its 2014 class with Wednesdays addition of Bonner, a 6-foot-4, 240-pound defensive end/outside linebacker from Parkway Central High in Chesterfield, Mo.

Bonner is the 13th player to commit to the Irish in the current cycle after picking ND over Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Purdue and Michigan State.

Bonners ties with Notre Dame run deep. He is related to former Irish safety Sergio Brown, and an uncle, Dan Knott, played for the school in the 1970s. Bonners father, Spencer, played at Kansas.

In Bonner, Notre Dame is getting a 3.8 student, and a guy who on the field is described by CBS Sports recruiting analyst Tom Lemming as having quickness off the ball, long arms and quick hands.

"Hes an explosive defensive end who could play outside linebacker," Lemming said. "He fits perfectly what Notre Dame is looking for in a 3-4 defense."

On film, Lemming saw Bonner wear a number of hats. In addition to defensive end, Bonner played tight end, wide receiver and wingback.

Bonner described his skills as a pass-rusher, his ability to set the edge against the run and a strong motor as his strengths.

"He goes all out for four quarters," Lemming said.

Bonner was recruited by Irish assistant Bobby Elliott, and the quick ending was just fine for a guy who at-tended NDs camp while in middle school, but admittedly wasnt exactly heavy on the schools radar. Until recently.

"Things ended up," Bonner said, "working out pretty well."