University of Washington | Carl Bonnell, Jr.
Carl Bonnell, Jr. has been shoved into the limelight after starting quarterback Isaiah Stanback suffered a season-ending ankle injury on Oct. 14.
Bonnell originally signed a letter of intent with Washington State, but never actually enrolled as a full-time student, and ended up accepting a scholarship with the Huskies last fall.
Since he assumed starting duties two weeks ago, Bonnell has been plagued by injuries and has yet to find his rhythm.
In his first start against California on Oct. 21, the 6-foot-3-inch, 210-pound junior went 17-of-34 and passed for 284 yards. He also threw for two touchdowns and five interceptions, and sprained his shoulder in the process.
Bonnell continued to struggle last week against the Sun Devils. He completed 9-of-23 passes for 67 yards, and threw two interceptions before leaving the game with a concussion.
Despite most fans calling for true freshman Jake Locker, head coach Tyrone Willingham opted instead for Oregon-transfer Johnny DuRocher and said he intended to utilize Locker’s redshirt.
Either way, Bonnell, Jr. is expected to start Saturday and enters the matchup against the Ducks needing to find a way to lead the Huskies to victory and potential bowl eligibility with only three games remaining.
– Stefanie Loh
University of Oregon | Jordan Kent
Every week Jordan Kent makes his mark on the Oregon offense.
The track star turned receiver has emerged as a reliable go-to option on an offense missing receivers due to injury. Garren Strong, Cameron Colvin, James Finley and Derrick Jones have all missed time with varying ailments, giving Kent a chance to shine.
The 6-foot-5-inch, 210-pound senior’s statistics place him third among Oregon receivers with 21 catches for 262 yards and three touchdowns. He is in just his second year of playing football and has a big decision looming in the near future. Kent is a senior on the men’s basketball team, which played its first exhibition game last Wednesday and opens the season on Nov. 10. But if Kent is offered the chance to tryout at the NFL combine, he may not return to the basketball team – and the NFL is a realistic possibility, his coach said.
“I think Jordan has progressed to the point where he’s definitely an NFL candidate and prospect,” Oregon coach Mike Bellotti said. “He has the requisite size and speed and he’s improving weekly in very measurable fashion.”
Bellotti cautioned – there are areas where he can improve.
“There’s a lot of experience to make up,” Bellotti said. “But I feel like he has tangibles that you can measure and some intangibles in terms of work ethic and commitment.”
– Jeffrey Dransfeldt
