National Signing Day: TE Mason Bonner signs with Michigan Football
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
The Wolverines have officially landed three-star tight end Mason Bonner, who signed with Michigan Football on Wednesday during the early signing period.
The basics
- Height: 6-foot-7
- Weight: 220 pounds
- Hometown: Denver, Colorado
- Ranking (247 composite): No. 496 overall, No. 26 TE, No. 6 Colorado
Recruiting Journey
Bonner held offers from teams such as Penn State, Miami, Tennessee, Texas Tech, Nebraska and others, but narrowed down his recruitment to Michigan and Minnesota. Bonner had a visit lined up to Minnesota, but would ultimately only visit Michigan before announcing his commitment. Michigan tight ends coach Steve Casula was heavily involved in Bonner’s recruitment, visiting him in Colorado multiple times. Bonner had 47 receptions for 767 yards and six touchdowns in his senior season.
Scouting Report
247Sports’ Greg Biggins: “Long, athletic hybrid pass catcher who currently plays receiver but could grow in to a tight end. Estimated 6-6, 200-pound frame, but is pretty lean and narrow so eventual growth potential is the question. How much weight he can put on will be the big determining factor in positional home and long-term upside. Natural pass catcher who easily wins jump and 50-50 balls. Possesses a basketball background that is evident in body control and spatial awareness, especially when competing vs. smaller defensive backs. Smooth route runner but lacks some of the burst and suddenness you like to see at the receiver position. Fluid athlete and a smooth mover so developing more twitch to stay at receiver or bulking to play tight is what we’ll be watching moving forward. Regardless, an P4 prospect with physical tools that project well.”
Expectations
Michigan will have depth at tight end next season with Marlin Klein, Zack Marshall, Hogan Hansen, Deakon Tonielli and Brady Prieskorn all currently set to return. Bonner will have to compete with fellow incoming freshman tight end Matt Ludwig, who is a four-star prospect. Bonner will likely need a year to put weight on to his huge frame and can’t be relied upon as a blocker right away. While he could ascend as a pass-catching tight end early in his career, patience may be key with him considering all the other experienced tight ends still on the roster.
The Film
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos