Bear Down Wildcats

Kiyama wrote:Briefly looked for any updates on Bondurant's status... did not find any details. Anyone know how long he will be "not with the team"?

I am curious what happened, as even with all the off-field stuff Carey was around and involved, he got to play in the second game of the season.

Kiyama wrote:Briefly looked for any updates on Bondurant's status... did not find any details. Anyone know how long he will be "not with the team"?

I am curious what happened, as even with all the off-field stuff Carey was around and involved, he got to play in the second game of the season.

ANGCatFan wrote:

Kiyama wrote:Briefly looked for any updates on Bondurant's status... did not find any details. Anyone know how long he will be "not with the team"?

I am curious what happened, as even with all the off-field stuff Carey was around and involved, he got to play in the second game of the season.

Bondurant is still with the team. He has played in both the first 2 games with 1 tackle against UNLV. Not sure what happened to the old Bondurant, but Tevis and Parks are making it hard for him ever to regain his starting spot.

TuiTouchdown wrote:

ANGCatFan wrote:

Kiyama wrote:Briefly looked for any updates on Bondurant's status... did not find any details. Anyone know how long he will be "not with the team"?

I am curious what happened, as even with all the off-field stuff Carey was around and involved, he got to play in the second game of the season.

Bondurant is still with the team. He has played in both the first 2 games with 1 tackle against UNLV. Not sure what happened to the old Bondurant, but Tevis and Parks are making it hard for him ever to regain his starting spot.

That's what we call a life lesson there, boys. Hopefully he keeps pushing to claw his way up. Nothing wrong with competition.

September 15, 2014 11:00 pm • By Daniel Berk

The Tra’Mayne Bondurant discipline experiment appears to be over — or at least winding down.

Coach Rich Rodriguez said Monday at his weekly news conference that Bondurant, a senior safety who started all 12 games he played in last season, could begin to see a larger role starting Saturday against Cal.

Bondurant, who had 72 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss and four interceptions last season, has played very few snaps through the first three games of this season. The Vallejo, California, product briefly left the team at the start of training camp after he failed to complete some offseason discipline handed down to him.

When he returned, Rodriguez said it wouldn’t be an easy road back and the safety would have to earn his spot.

He played in some third-down packages against UNLV and UTSA. Last week against Nevada, he played on most special teams units, and saw more snaps on defense, specifically at the end of the game.

“Tra’Mayne has worked hard in practice to get back into the fold,” Rodriguez said. “He’ll probably play more.”

The timing of his pending return makes sense. Against Cal last year, the Wildcats played two linebackers and six defensive backs nearly the entire game because the Golden Bears air it out so much.

Rodriguez obviously wouldn’t divulge his defensive game plan Monday, but a similar formation is certainly possible Saturday. The coach did say the team could “play more (defensive backs) and less bigger guys against spread teams like Cal.”

Bondurant would add a presence to the defense the Wildcats need. The UA has forced just two turnovers this season, and is surrendering 267 yards per game through the air.

The senior had three interceptions through two games last year. Fellow safety Will Parks said Bondurant’s best attribute is his instincts around the ball.

“He just knows where the ball is going to be,” Parks said. “I’m glad he’s coming back and starting to get back in the rotation. Tra’Mayne’s instincts, that’s what I’m looking forward to seeing — just that playmaking ability all over the field, whether it’s an interception or a forced fumble, or just causing somebody else to make a play.”

One issue for Bondurant — aside from the discipline — has been getting back in shape to be the impact player he was last season. He’s listed on the roster at 216 pounds, after playing last season in the 190s.

“The biggest thing was he has to work and get in shape as a couple of other guys had to,” Rodriguez said. “He’s doing a good job with that. He’s doing all the stuff we’ve asked him to do.”

Chicat wrote:We have to make a new Bondurant thread or change the title of this one. Every time this gets bumped I think he's off the team again.

ANGCatFan wrote:I have the same problem. My heart stops for a second every time this thread bumps to the top. Irish you can edit the original post and update the title.

Chicat wrote:I can do it.

PieceOfMeat wrote:

Chicat wrote:I can do it.

Looks better, with the new title, on the main board...but this still shows with every response:
Re: Bondurant no longer on the team

Unless one edits the subject in their reply

Chicat wrote:

PieceOfMeat wrote:

Chicat wrote:I can do it.

Looks better, with the new title, on the main board...but this still shows with every response:
Re: Bondurant no longer on the team

Unless one edits the subject in their reply

Only every post from before I changed it. Thankfully...

Chicat wrote:I can do it.

UAEebs86 wrote:

TuiTouchdown wrote:How did Bondo not get Defensive Player of the Week from the coaches?

11 tackles, forced fumble, pick-six... I'd say he deserve it.

azpenguin wrote: Considering that he was just about gone from the team

Merkin wrote: Long memories?

azthrillhouse wrote:Lost in the shuffle of yesterday's disappointment was Bondurant once again coming up with a huge play when we desperately needed it.

The guy is a ball magnet. Would be curious to know his career turnover totals. He'll be missed and hope that he finds a home in the pros.