Considering the success Dante Bonamico has had at every level of football that he has competed in, one may think that he totally expected to be inside the Bridgeport High School library this afternoon. After all, he was there – surrounded by family and friends – to sign an official letter of intent to be a member of next year’s West Virginia University football team.

 

The hard-nosed senior, however, said he never thought this would be the case.

 

“This was a personal thing for me. Growing up I never really thought of playing at West Virginia. When you get an opportunity like this you’ve got to take advantage of it,” said Bonamico. “I see myself competing for four or five or years there and I’m excited for this opportunity.

 

“It’s unbelievable and I’ve talked to my family about this. Never in a million years would I have thought of playing there,” he continued. “It’s a dream come true.”

 

For most of the season, the three-time Class AA state champion football player has been a nightmare for opponents. The two-time ‘AA’ first-team defensive captain was also named the Carl Lee winner by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association as the state’s top defensive back in all three classes.

 

Bonamico finished the season as Bridgeport’s third leading tackler, but was the unit’s unquestioned leader. The senior defensive back finished the year with 66 tackles, including seven tackles for loss, while also forcing four fumbles. Those numbers came despite teams avoiding him when going to their passing game.

 

As it turned out, he was no slouch on the offensive side of the ball either. He finished the year with 1,395 yards rushing on 145 carries (9.6 yards per carry) with a team-high 26 touchdowns.

 

Even with those numbers, Bonamico isn’t taking his chance in Morgantown for granted. Despite being a starting member of the Indians’ basketball team and with baseball right around the corner, Bonamico is still finding time in his schedule to workout. And he’s been going at it pretty hard.

 

“Me and Elijah (Drummond, who also signed today) are in the weight room every time we can; Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I’m just doing all the necessary things to get my body right,” said Bonamico.

 

Bonamico has been spending more time than usual in the weight room despite the busy schedule of athletics and academics he tends to year round. And it’s caught the attention of Coach Josh Nicewarner.

 

“With Dante, it’s a situation where he always wants to prove things to himself and he’s done that with pretty good results,” said Nicewarner. “He’s always busy and I’ve joked with him that I’ve seen him more in the weight room in the last two months than I did in his four years of high school. That tells me he knows what he’s facing as far as the odds always stacked against walk-ons.”

 

Even with the more difficult road that walk-ons have to travel, Nicewarner said for someone to proclaim now that Bonamico and his 5’10, 190 pound frame won’t make the cut would be foolish.

 

“I’m not sure I could ever bet against the kid with anything he does, and that’s knowing that he’s heading into something that there’s no way to completely prepare for,” said Nicewarner. “His desire and drive to succeed is unmatched. If anyone can overcome the odds, it’s him.”

 

For now, Bonamico isn’t worried about the odds. Instead, he’s focusing on prepping for his time in Morgantown, while not forgetting he still has a basketball season to complete and a baseball season to begin.

 

“I’m ready to get (to Morgantown). I still have a couple more sports to go and I’m not looking past of them at all,” said Bonamico. “I’m excited for the opportunity and I’m going to make the most of it.”

 

Click HERE for a story on early WVU enrollee Dylan Tonkery.

 

Click HERE for a story on Elijah Drummond signing with WVU today as well.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Dante Bonamico surrounded by his parents Nunzio and Petrina Bonamico. Bottom two photos show Bonamico breaking off a big run and celebrating after a big defensive play. Photos by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com.