Ray Bonner

Biography

Raymond Bonner, a product of Franklin County High School in Winchester, Tenn., was one of the first two African-Americans that Coach Charles "Bubber" Murphy signed to football scholarships in 1969. Bonner started at cornerback for four years, and was part of Middle Tennessee's memorable "Mod Squad" defensive backfield that gave opponents fits around the Ohio Valley Conference. In his junior season, Bonner was given the added duty of returning punts full-time. In 1971, Bonner returned 31 punts for 219 yards and two touchdowns. His 7.1 yds/return average ranked third in the nation, and his pair of TD returns is the school record for both a single season and a career. Because of his blazing speed and athletic ability, Bonner was never beaten deep on a pass play during his career. He was named All-OVC in 1972 and an Outstanding College Athlete of America in 1973. His 4.45 time in the 40-yard dash, and his ability to return punts got Bonner drafted in the 10th round of the 1973 draft by the Detroit Lions, but a suspected heart murmur ended his football-playing career. Following his playing career, Bonner enlisted in the United States Navy, serving from 1973-1976 and was honorably discharged as a Supply Petty Officer. Bonner then received his first head coaching job as Columbia High School in Decatur, Georgia, where he was the head football, track and basketball coach. After serving in that role for seven years, Bonner became the assistant head football coach and head track coach a