U of L's Bonnafon makes early impression

He started out surrounded by coaches and peers, working through the prepractice routine before moving on to quarterback drills.

After that, Reggie Bonnafon couldn't quite shake the cameras or the eyes of fans who'd come to the University of Louisville football team's first practice of the 2014 season.

That's something the freshman quarterback probably expected when he signed with his hometown school. But after months of anticipating his first moment in a Cardinals uniform, Bonnafon still needed some time to collect his thoughts.

"It's exciting," he said. "I've been waiting for this since I committed. It hasn't hit me yet."

Whatever excitement or nerves he felt didn't show. The 6-foot-3 205-pounder stood out at the morning practice, which was specifically for the newcomers.

Twice he hit freshman receiver Javonte Bagley for big gains in 11-on-11 scrimmages. Then he fired a bullet across the middle to senior Kai De La Cruz, who practiced with the newcomers because he has an afternoon class.

It looked natural, and it impressed his new coach.

"I watched his high school tape and thought, 'Wow, I can't wait to work with him,' " Bobby Petrino said. "It was fun to watch. I was really happy with the way he ran out there and ran the offense. He took charge in the huddle, had total command of the line of scrimmage. He has a really nice release and gets his feet in the right positions. He's going to be a really good player."

Bonnafon has a chance to claim the backup spot behind expected starter Will Gardner. Brett Nelson and Kyle Bolin, the two other scholarship quarterbacks who went through spring practice with Gardner, didn't do enough to claim the backup job, leaving the door open for Bonnafon and junior-college transfer Pat Thomas to fight for it.

But none of them compared with Bonnafon on the first day. Only Tyler Bruggman and Tyler Ferguson, two transfer quarterbacks who are ineligible in 2014, made as many on-the-money throws as Bonnafon.

"I want to push for that job," he said. "All the quarterbacks do. We're trying to get better."

After practice Bonnafon's family corralled him for hugs and high fives. He was drenched in sweat, but that didn't keep them at bay.

Petrino walked over and said hello, exchanging a few hugs and cracking a wide smile.

That was just before Bonnafon strolled into the Trager Center's lobby to answer three minutes of questions from local media.

Everything went according to plan, he said. Arriving earlier this summer allowed him to work through the playbook, and the NCAA's new rule permitting coaches to work with players during the offseason gave him access to instruction.

All that combined for a strong start to August camp.

Granted, he's a freshman and not likely the starter, but Bonnafon's first day matched Petrino's reasoning for potentially giving him several series a game to ease him into college.

And the early-morning practice with the other new players gave the young quarterback a chance to take command. He responded exactly how Petrino wanted.

"I could tell I was more comfortable," Bonnafon said. "(Practicing with the newcomers first) gives us younger guys confidence going into camp. It's new to us. To get some confidence rolling in before we join the whole team, it'll really help."

Reach Jeff Greer at (502) 582-4044 and follow him on Twitter @jeffgreer_cj.