TUCSON – By the time the door closed on Tim Kish as Arizona’s interim football coach in 2011, he made one prediction: Tra’Mayne Bondurant would be one of UA’s best players in 2012.
Bold? Not exactly, but a strong statement when referring to one of Arizona’s youngest players. Bondurant was a true freshman, with just a couple of games on his resume.
“He has tremendous talent,” Kish said in the middle of November of last season. “He has a tremendous passion for the game.”
And once you have passion for something, it’s hard to lose it.
Bondurant hasn’t.
“When I got here, and in talking with the previous staff plus watching some of the film, he was a guy that just had a feel for the game,” said Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez. “There are some guys that just recognize things quick, and he is a guy that just recognizes stuff really quick.”
After sitting on the sidelines for Arizona’s first handful of games last season, Bondurant showed he belonged. The biggest question was: What took Mike Stoops so long to recognize the kid’s talent, unless, of course, he was saving him for later. All we know is that there was no later for Stoops, who was fired a year ago this week.
Stoops out, Bondurant in.
Bondurant proceeded to start the final six games of his freshman season. Last season’s Newcomer of the Year had continued to prove he’s worthy while playing the “spur”
(linebacker/safety hybrid) position in Arizona’s 3-3-5 defense.
“I just wanted to get the chance to play every game and showcase what I can do every game,’’ said Bondurant of his hopes for his second season. “I want to be a force on defense and just be better. I’m happy that I’m playing a big role and a leader on the defense.’’
Bondurant has been immune to any pretense of a sophomore jinx. He enters Saturday’s game against Stanford with 31 total tackles, fifth on the team.
“I’m just trying to focus and maintain what I do,’’ he said.
What he does is fly to the ball in torpedo-like fashion, demonstrating a toughness that coaches can’t teach.
“It’s just how I grew up,’’ he said. “My family has always had that aggressive mentality. It’s about not taking nothing (for granted) and just being a fighter for everything. There are situations that I’ve had in my life that have to make me grow up faster.’’
He declined to discuss those situations in detail, preferring to speak about football. It’s his means to an end.
Rodriguez said Bondurant’s toughness comes from his adversity and his resolve to get through it.
“It’s called life and like everybody (else), I’ve gone through things that have me focused right now,’’ Bondurant said. “I’m getting through them and letting football be the healing for me.
“It’s about making the most of everything. Sports are what I’ve got that I know can change my life for the better for me and my family.’’
So far so good for Bondurant, who at an undersized 5-feet-10, 200 pounds, has made the most of his athletic ability.
“It’s God blessing me,’’ he said. “I appreciate it every day. When you’re time comes, it comes, and you have to make the most of the opportunity.’’
