Bonnett brings it for the Big Blue

At the outset of the 2009 campaign, Allegany coach Tom Preaskorn penciled Steffen Bonnett's name into the starting secondary, fairly certain the 15-year-old underclassman would hold his own. By the end of the season, however, Preaskorn tossed aside the No. 2 Hymen in favor of a bold, black Sharpie.

"Steffen was a pleasant surprise for us to say the least," Preaskorn said. "He had outstanding work ethic, great reaction time, great ball skills, terrific instincts and was a true student of the game. He really stepped up for us."

He wasn't kidding. Bonnett didn't just hold his own last year; it was more like a Darrelle Revis-esque domination.

Bonnett, a 6-foot, 185-pound junior, had one of the finest seasons for any cornerback/safety in Maryland. He racked up 33 tackles, eight interceptions and a mind-boggling four touchdowns. After the season, he earned First Team All-Area honors.

Bonnett admits that, statistically, he did have a fine 2009. But he couldn't have done it without his friend and secondary-mate, senior Trevor Jessie. The two teamed up to form one of the more underrated cornerback duos in the state.

"I have to give a lot of credit to Trevor," Bonnett said. "He really helped me out. And with people not wanting to throw to his side, I took advantage."

Jessie became Bonnett's personal defensive back coach last summer. Knowing the young corner would likely move into the starting lineup, he put Bonnett through his own personal boot camp. Drill-wise, they worked on footwork, hip turns and backpedaling. Then they moved to the smaller details, such as how to read a receiver, when to jump a route and all the other tricks of the trade.

"I thought as a senior leader it was my responsibility to get him ready," Jessie said. "I took him under my wing. I really thought he could contribute and help us, and he was a big part of our success last year."

After training with Jessie, Preaskorn noticed Bonnett taking that crucial leap from an average cornerback to a potential game-changer. The difference, according to the coach, was good 'ol elbow grease.

"I think Steffen saw how Trevor made himself a better football player and it rubbed off on him," Preaskorn said. "Trevor instilled the work ethic in Steffen and really pushed him hard."

When offseason training ended, Jessie left his young protégé with this tidbit of wisdom: Become a film junkie.

Bonnett took the advice to heart. His DVDs are practically a greatest hits collection of Allegany's opponents. Each night, Bonnett and his father would sit down and analyze the next offense he'd face, looking for tendencies or "tells" that might give him an advantage.

Watching film of Joppatowne in preparation for the state semifinals last year, Bonnett noticed that Joppa almost always passed when they came out in a certain two-tight end set. Furthermore, when the quarterback made his reads, he inevitably looked for one receiver in particular (No. 10).

When the situation arose during the game, Bonnett was ready. He broke on the ball perfectly, jumped the route and made a key interception.

"I have good instincts and a knack for where the ball's going to go," Bonnett said. "That comes from watching a lot of film and studying quarterbacks and receivers."

While Bonnett has all the intangible tools necessary for success, he's no slouch physically either. At 6-0, 185, not only is he taller than the average high school corner, but he's stronger and heavier, too. Bonnett can bench-press 255 pounds and throw up double-digit repetitions at 185, astounding numbers for a cornerback.

Better yet, all that extra muscle doesn't seem to effect his speed. Bonnett routinely clocks between a 4.5-4.6 in the 40-yard dash.

"Steffen has a lot of potential as far as his size, speed and skills go," Jessie said. "He could be outstanding."

Despite the accolades from teammates, coaches and the Allegany faithful, Bonnett hasn't heard much from the people who count: Recruiters.

One of the reasons probably has to do with the competition he's faced at Allegany. Other than rival Fort Hill, the national perception is the Cumberland area lacks quality opponents.

"Most people don't think this area is as good as the rest of Maryland, but I think there are a lot of great players up here," Bonnett said. "But based on that perception, it hurts me a little bit with recruiting.

"It would be nice if we could play against the DeMathas and Good Counsels of the world to see how we could match up. Personally, I think we could hang with them; we're better than people think."

Hypothetical situations aside, Bonnett, who is only 16 and has several more years to grow and develop, still has a good chance to lure in a scholarship offer. This offseason will be crucial, however.

Bonnett must shine at college one-day camps this summer, when scouts will give their final assessments. In preparation, he'll have to continue his rigid workouts. Preaskorn said that Bonnett needs to get even stronger, faster and hone his technique if he wants to make it to the top levels of college football.

"He already works incredibly hard, but the key is going to be that continued improvement in all areas," Preaskorn said. "If he does that, there's no reason he can't play in a Division I or I-AA-type arena."

But Preaskorn doesn't want Bonnett to focus solely on individual development. First and foremost, Bonnett must step into a leadership role. Helping the team will ultimately yield any personal benefits, Preaskorn asserts.

Last year Jessie became a selfless leader and reaped the benefits with a scholarship to St. Anselm in New Hampshire (a Division II school). Will Bonnett emulate his teacher?

""Last year Trevor helped me, and now that I'm a senior it's my job to help mentor all the younger guys," Bonnett said. "I'm helping myself, but I'm working hard for my team, too."

As for the scholarship, Bonnett is aiming just a little higher than Jessie.

"I think for sure I can play at the D-I level," Bonnett said. "It won't be easy, but with my work and determination I can get there."

Get out the Sharpie. Put it in permanent ink.