QB Bonner to lead new-look Rush offense

Sherdrick Bonner has no second thoughts about signing with the Chicago Rush, even after getting a good taste Wednesday of a frosty January morning in Chicago.

Bonner spent the past 15 seasons playing for the Arizona Rattlers. The quarterback does make his off-season home in Colorado, but he said that did not prepare him.

"The wind doesn't knife through in Colorado," Bonner said. "My pants almost froze to my leg."

This was Bonner's first practice with the Rush in preparation for the season-opener March 3 against San Jose at the Allstate Arena. The Rush has two more days of minicamp, which must be conducted without pads. Training camp begins Monday.

Bonner said the Rush was one of the few franchises he would have left Arizona for.

"There was new ownership and a new coaching staff in Arizona," said Bonner, 38, who was voted one of the 20 greatest players in AFL history. "Nothing was solid at the time. This organization reminds me of the early years in Arizona."

Other additions to the new-look Rush offense are Damian Harrell, a two-time AFL offensive player of the year, and fullback Dan Alexander. Alexander set an AFL record last year with 41 rushing touchdowns.

The Rush defense, coming off the best year in franchise history, returns almost completely in tact.

Coach Mike Hohensee signed Bonner in part because he was worried about how two-year starter Matt D'Orazio was recovering from a back injury. D'Orazio then signed with the Philadelphia Soul.

The Rush hopes the new additions will help offset the loss of offensive specialist extraordinaire Bobby Sippio, who moved on the NFL and the Kansas City Chiefs.

"We had to get after it right away after losing Sippio," Hohensee said.

One of Bonner's targets this season could be Northern Illinois graduate Dan Sheldon, who said it's been a challenge adjusting to the indoor game.

"I've been slamming into the walls," Sheldon said with a smile.