Husky Talk- Carl Bond AKA SHANK

Husky Talk is taking off and becoming a home for UConn Alumni to share their stories and show our success off the field. Anyone who would like to contribute, we are now accepting donations. This allows me an opportunity to do more shows. We want to hear from UConn football players from as many generations as possible. To donate, please Venmo @Husky-Talk, last 4 digits of my phone number 9729. With your donation, we will promote you, and your business during the show. I am beyond grateful for everyone's support. We are scheduling future episodes DM or comment if you are available and interested to come on. Thank you to Matt Nuzie, Geoff Heyl and Tommy Collins for donating. Thank you to Courtney Williams for supporting and helping to grow our audience.

Mr. Wells returns as we were privileged with interviewing UConn legendary Wide Receiver Carl "Shank" Bond. Carl had a spectacular career at UConn before moving on to being a force in the Arena League.

Carl is from New Haven and attended Hamden Hall in high school. A 3 sport athlete, he was a dominate baseball player batting .500 and was a great outfielder. His coaches steered him towards football because it was his best chance to earn a scholarship.

Recruited by big programs, Carl had to certain classes to qualify because they were required. It wasn't enough to be at an elite academic private school like Hamden, second semester senior year he finished the classes and was frustrated being told to attend a different prep school for a Post Grad year.

Skip Holtz took Carl as a preferred walk-on, and the rest is history. Redshirted with QB Shane Stafford, they developed together and became a nightmare for defenses. The team truly took off by staying all summer to train and party on campus. When at the time, players did not stay, UConn felt they had an opportunity to be special which came true.

A sensational career, 4 year starter, earned a scholarship, got better by watching NFL tapes of Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, Carl still holds many records at UConn. He was a difference maker and became a technician at route running.

He went on to play 7 years in the Arena League and never stopped getting better. Coaching for 20 years, he knows how to build trust with his players and has many success stories. Working in a middle school he teaches students in need, along with ones who excel.

His 11-year-old son played football for the first time and his daughter is competing in the league championship in two events for track. Carl always gives back, a team needs a coach, he will help, but he sounds extremely proud of his kids. He wants to focus on being a parent, a devoted father who never pushed his children into sports, he hopes he can enjoy watching from the stands more.

A special thank you to Matt Nuzie and Geoff Heyl as our first sponsors of Husky Talk. Thank you to Courtney Williams for going out of his way to help grow our audience. And Carl Bond, made for podcasting, agreed to co-host when available.