Interview with Rising Versatile 2022 Louisiana Defender Adrian Bonds
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2019 season was limited to three games for Southern Lab’s Adrian Bonds, but in those opportunities he showed great potential and upside in his game. Lining up at defensive end for the Kittens, Bonds was a speed demon off the snap getting into the backfield in a blink of an eye forcing disruption for opposing Louisiana offenses. Once the 2020 season begins, the 6-2, 245-pound, defender will show his versatility taking turns at middle backer, end, and as a three-technique.
In an RNG first-look, Bonds sits down for an in-depth conversation covering his play on the field, workouts, and early recruiting process.
Interview
Adrian, the 2019 season was a successful one for the Kittens making a run to the semifinal round of the Louisiana playoffs. The defense was tough throughout the season only three times allowing 21 or more points in a game. What made you guys such a tough unit a year ago?
We had a lot of good talent, we really did. We had a four-star linebacker and good interior defensive linemen; they were amazing. They were coming to play, and they always wanted to make that play. They kept everyone fired up and rolling, even if we were down.
Lining up at end in the team’s three-man front, what were your responsibilities within the scheme?
My responsibilities were containing the wide side and getting a pass rush. I made efforts to make a sack and not being a robot on the field. My coaches loved that.
One of your strengths is your get off allowing you to get into the backfield in a heartbeat to cause chaos. Once the season ended, what did you feel were some of the other top attributes to your game?
My technique. Since I was young, I have been back and forth from the defensive line to linebacker. That allowed me to learn technique and hand movement. My elusiveness and my size are strengths too.
Throughout the offseason, what have you been working on to add more muscle to your frame and more strength to your game?
I have been working with a personal trainer, Keith Ballard. He is always pushing our limits and our boundaries. He wants us to be the best we can be and to learn as much as we can.
Have you been able to max out in the weight room this offseason?
Yes, sir. On bench I got 315, one rep, and my squat max was at 515.
Nice. How have you worked to add more speed and explosiveness to your skillset?
My trainer breaks out the speed bands. We do certain things on different days with our speed training. Some days we are pushing a sled 100 yards, using bands running in place, running with a parachute, or doing 50-yard sprints – 15 of them. We’ve been doing a lot of resistance training.
Wow. Sounds like you guys have been getting after it. Have you clocked a 40 this offseason?
Yes. At one of these camps a week ago, they clocked me at a 4.7. I am wanting to get it down to a 4.5 before the season begins.
When the 2020 season begins, were all will we see you on the field?
You will see me mostly playing middle linebacker in our 4-2-5. I will play some in the interior because of my speed and size, and you might see me wide side defensive end or as a three-tech.
For when you rush the passer, have you been working on any new moves?
Yes, sir. I am trying to master my spin technique and working on the push and pull. I am trying to add that to my arsenal.
Let’s cover some ground on recruiting. Which schools are showing interest as we near the 2020 season?
Texas, they DM me on Twitter, ULM is doing that too. LSU has sent mail, Birmingham Southern, Southern University, TCU, and FSU are also showing interest. There is a large variety of schools showing interest.
Once the campuses open back up, are there any programs you may visit?
Yes, sir. Southern University, they want to schedule a meeting on campus.
Last question for you. You have a big season ahead, what goals have you set for yourself?
Most importantly for me, I want a 3.5 GPA this year a with 25 scored on the ACT. With football, I want to earn All-District at linebacker and hopefully All-State. And I want 12 sacks, 150 tackles, four interceptions, three forced fumbles, and to find a college team I fit in with and start my journey.
Adrian, all great goals to have set. Thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your workouts this summer.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Bonds family; No. 34 Adrian Bonds
Yes! When are you going to do a follow-up with Adrian Bonds jr. ?