Darryl Bonner was the best all-around athlete at Terry Sanford High in Fayetteville, N.C., — a multi-year letterman in football, basketball and track and field. He was named the Patriot Conference Athlete of the Year as a senior after starring as a quarterback and point guard.

However, Bonner stood just 5-feet-7 and most college recruiters did not feel he had the size or speed to succeed at the next level. Football Championship Subdivision member Wofford extended a preferred walk-on invitation while Division II Wingate offered a partial scholarship.

Navy had been through Terry Sanford High to recruit linebacker Myles Davenport and took notice of Bonner. Assistant coach Tony Grantham called Bonner late in the process and mentioned the Midshipmen might have an opening if another slotback target did not commit soon.

Bonner, who had been thrilled to learn his friend Davenport was headed to the Naval Academy, did not hesitate when Grantham came back with a formal offer shortly before National Signing Day.

“Myles was being recruited by Navy and that really piqued my interest. Luckily, I got offered as well,” Bonner said.

It has proven a fortuitous decision for both Navy and Bonner, who has blossomed into a key player and team leader over the past two seasons. No one remembers the slotback whose decision to go elsewhere opened the door for Bonner, who has made a career out of capitalizing on chances when they are presented.

“Darryl is an undersized kid that no one wanted. He had to spend a year at the prep school then sit on the bench for two years here,” Navy slotbacks coach Danny O’Rourke said. “From day one, Darryl has been hungry, eager to learn and willing to work hard. I think the other players respect how hard he works and the fact he never complains. He comes to practice every day and works his tail off to get better.”

Bonner was voted offensive captain for the Navy football program last January and has embraced that role. He has become known for getting after teammates during practice or giving fiery speeches prior to games.

“It’s truly an honor to be named captain. It’s a huge responsibility that I accepted with a real sense of humble pride,” Bonner said. “It means a lot, especially looking back to plebe year. You’re starting at the bottom again and trying to grind your way to a little bit of relevancy. All of a sudden, you’re in a leadership role and it’s amazing because you’re leading your friends, the guys you are closest with.”

Jr., the youngest of five children, played drums in the church band from an early age.

A strong faith and plenty of family support helped Bonner get through the tough times of attending the Naval Academy Prep School and the always arduous plebe year when football consisted of serving on the scout team and playing in junior varsity games.

Bonner’s belief that he could become a contributor did not waver even after he played briefly in just two games as a sophomore. The 5-foot-7, 178-pounder credits older slotbacks such as Demond Brown, DeBrandon Sanders and Geoffrey Whiteside with helping him through.

“It was tough at times, but I practiced every day like I was going to play in the game,” Bonner said.

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