Talking With Rockford Lutheran Star Linebacker Christian Bonacquisti Class Of 2019
So in a way to better understand the use of Deep Dish Football for Illinois recruits and the whole entire IHSA Football scene. Decided to do player profiles of players who you might not know or you might know , but you should respect them for their roles on their respective teams.
Christian Bonacquisti Linebacker Class Of 2019
6'1 215 Rockford Lutheran
COACH BIG PETE'S TAKE
Christian is one of the better linebackers that I have seen so far for the Class of 2019 in Illinois. Raw athletic talent, and ability to make plays to ball is what has college coaches looking at him.
Christian Bonacquisti whats schools are you talking to?
Northwestern, Harvard, Holy Cross, Western Illinois, Missouri Western, St. Olaf, Wheaton, Rose-Hulman, Augustana, NIU, Sioux Falls University, Drake
What skill have you been working on in the offseason to improve your game?
Explosiveness
Favorite memory from last season?
My favorite memory, well, the whole season I wasn't really concerned with the stats, even though everyone kept asking me about them and I felt pressured to stay at #1 in the state for tackles, I never went into a game making that my goal to get tackles, I approached every game the same way and that was to simply do my job and be able to look myself in the mirror at night after the game knowing that I had done everything I could to help my team. But the last game I was tied with another kid in Illinois for #1 Tackles spot, and so I look at the national ranking and the only way I could the the dude that had already played 9 games was to get about 36 tackles. When I talked with my dad before the game we kind of just laughed and said how crazy it would be if I did. One of the many things I learned that game was just how incredible God is. Amazing things can be done in His name and when you put in the work and effort that I did, he can reward you, not to say that he has to or always will, but he definitely can. At half time the coach that keeps stats came and told me that I had 21 tackles. I was pretty shocked but never really focused on it. At the end of the game I came off the field from our last offensive drive. We had just scored, but we were still 2 touchdowns away from tying the game. My coach told me I had 40 tackles! We had about 20 seconds left on the clock, and we were kicking off. I asked the coach to put me in for the kickoff and let me go in for a freshmen. I got the last tackle on the last play of the season to finish the night with 41 tackles. Later I found out that that tied the National record for most tackles in a highschool football game. I even doubted the stats and went through the game and tallied the tackles, and sure enough, 41. There were tons of other great memories from last season with my team and bonding together, but that particular night I will never forget.
It seems like Rockford Lutheran produces 1-2 great players a year,, Why do yo think that is?
Because Rockford Lutheran is a college prep school, but it also preps you for college sports. A big part of Rockford Lutheran is our strength Coach Jamison Fausett who was a D1 college strength Coach at Wisconsin. He does an amazing job at getting us ready for the season and preparing our bodies to last through the seasons. Rockford is a town with a lot of talent and I really think the coaching stuff and family-like community on the team is a huge reason we get great players that are driven both on the field and in the classroom. This year we have had probably more players in the weight room everyday during the off-season than ever before, and I think it will only get better.
Game that you are looking forward to playing this season?
First game, Byron, and last game of the season
What would you like college coaches to know about you?
I'm a go getter. Whatever I set my mind on I can achieve. I guarantee there is no other player on my field on Friday nights that is working harder than me. I love to play the game, but I also love to study the techniques and the way the game works. Thanks to a lot of coaches over the past few years I have learned to watch an abundance of film, but I also know how to watch it and study it. I have been told that I just have a natural instinct for the ball and am a "Coach's dream." I love to be with my team all the time. I also like to explore new ways to keep my body in shape and in best condition during the season, whether that is essential oils, hot baths, Eastern medicine, etc. Overall I do whatever I can to get an edge on my opponent year round. I love to workout and recover. I thank God for my gifts and abilities, but I also thank him for the drive He has given me in life and football. I am a Lion. I can't wait to be on a college team with players who know so much collectively about the game. I want to be the best me I can be for my team and myself.
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