Right on Target

Maikon Bonani has overcome injury and competition to become the Bulls great place kicker.

The Bulls for years struggled at place kicking and most of the agony was due to one man, Delbert Alvarado. I am sure there are plenty out there that will rush to his defense and he did have some good games for the Bulls, but on the consistent basis, he was not good (remember the Auburn game?). But a game against Kansas 2 years ago, changed all of that, when Maikon Bonani hit a game winning 47-yard field goal for the Bulls. Since then, Bonani survived a freak accident and has returned to stabilize the Bulls kicking position.[keep reading]

Bonani, 5'9" 190-pounds, didn't even play for the Bulls last season after suffering a bad accident while working at Busch Garden and falling, nearly breaking his back. He sat out last season as he recovered and regained his strength. Coming into 2010, Bonani had competition against senior Eric Schwartz who was placed on scholarship after a solid 2009 season as kicker. But when Schwartz struggled, Bonani shined and proved he was back in form.

Bonani improved on his 15-21 kicking campaign in 2008, going 17 of 21 on field goal attempts this season. He also improved his kick off ability, totaling 6 touch-backs, compared to just 2 in 2008, showing he was back and better than ever. Bonani had a great season for the Bulls as he locked down the kicking position and gave the Bulls offense a solid way of getting on the scoreboard.

Entering 2011, Bonani is the kicker and no one is even close to challenging him at this point. Schwartz is gone and only freshman are behind him, so Bonani has no pressure and only greatness ahead of him. With the new practice facilities, including practice fields with goal posts, Bonani has the potential to become one of the best kickers in the nation. Make sure to watch his progress next season. (just showing the kicker some love in this post)