Darryl Bonner was the best all-around athlete at Terry Sanford High in Fayetteville, North Carolina — a multi-year letterman in football, basketball and track and field. He was named the Patriot Conference Athlete of the Year as a senior after starring as a quarterback on the gridiron and point guard on the hardwood.
However, Bonner stood just 5-foot-7 and most college recruiters did not feel he had the size or speed to succeed at the next level. Football Championship Subdivision member Wofford extended a preferred walk-on invitation while Division II Wingate offered a partial scholarship.
Navy had been through Terry Sanford High to recruit linebacker Myles Davenport and took notice of Bonner.