25 Days To K-State Football: Joseph Bonugli Player Preview

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Three quarters of the way there. That’s how far we’ve come in our 100 day countdown to kick-off against North Dakota State. And to celebrate 25 days left, we have #25 Joseph Bonugli to preview. Bonugli, a junior from San Antonio, is one of several players expected to step up on defense this season with so many exceptional seniors having departed last spring.

Bonugli came to K-State expecting to contribute, but has had a difficult time finding the field much so far. The #49 safety in the 2009 class, Bonugli is a little small but brings excellent speed to the position. He came t0 K-State after receiving offers from Arizona, Army, Colorado State, and SMU. He finished his senior year with 115 tackles to go along with three interceptions after recording 79 tackles and four interceptions as a junior.

Redshirting his first year on campus, Bonugli was a member of the practice squad his first year of eligibility but played in ten games in 2012 – primarily on special teams. He finished the season with four tackles. However, with the need for players to step into leadership roles on the secondary in 2013, Bonugli will be one of the players coaches turn to. He’s an extremely hard hitter and at 6’0″ can help cover taller receivers and tight ends.

Bonugli didn’t record any statistics during the spring game, and I can’t find evidence that he actually played anywhere. He reportedly suffered a nasty injury in 2011 and there could be some ill effects from that incident or another injury, though this is purely speculation. At the end of the day, he’s a tall safety with great speed and hits hard (though a touch on the light side), which means the team needs him in 2013. So here’s to Bonugli’s junior year; let’s hope it’s a productive one.

To work backwards in the countdown, visit 26 days, where we preview freshman linebacker Nick Ramirez.