Trent Bostick makes his way to the endzone during the Spring Game. NT File Photo
This time last season the players for the 49ers were prepping to hit the road and take on a nationally-ranked Louisville team. Everyone that is, except senior Trent Bostick.
A concussion in practice in the week leading up to the season opener prevented Bostick from making the trip to Kentucky. He wouldn’t just miss the first game, Bostick would not see the field at all for the 2016 season.
“It really wasn’t as bad as I thought it was until we actually sat down,” Bostick said. “It was around week five that I realized I was going to be done for the season.”
Bostick was the only true freshman to start in every game during the inaugural season, he finished that first season with 594 yards. During his sophomore season, Bostick was second on the team with 33 catches that created 365 yards and two touchdowns. In the 2015 season, he completed 32 catches for 457 yards and three touchdowns.
The stage had been set for a stellar senior season for Bostick. The concussion and the redshirt year caused a delay in his playing. Though it was necessary for his health, watching from the sidelines wasn’t an easy experience for Bostick.
“Watching those guys, it was heart breaking to me because I wanted to be out there with them. I knew AJ and Coach Lambert they had my best interest in heart and they were going to make sure I was the best person that I can,” Bostick said.
Though it was a difficult decision, head coach Brad Lambert knows redshirting Bostick was the best decision for his health.
“We missed him last year, it was unfortunate last year but we really didn’t have any choice. We’ve got to protect the guys and concussions are something we just don’t fool around with. We thought it was better,” Lambert said.
With 2016 meant to be Bostick’s final year at college, there was speculation as to whether or not he would return to the field for a final season. The passion Bostick has for the game of football is what lured him back for one more season sporting the green and gold.
“I have love for the game. I was hearted a little bit with my injury, but everything happens for a reason. I thank God that he’s put me back in a position where I can be back on the field and in pads,” Bostick said.
After deciding to use his redshirt year and comeback this season, Bostick drew from faith and determination and prepared himself to return better than he left.
“I had to keep my best interest at heart and make sure I was the best person I could be in how I was feeling, to come back for the team,” Bostick said. “I was just making sure when I came back on to the field I was at 100 percent.”
Bostick entered the program during the inaugural season alongside players like Kalif Phillips, Austin Duke and Larry Ogunjobi. The group, dubbed the “inaugural class” grew in the program together. It was hard for Bostick to watch the group leave without him, he knew that his time would come to take the field again.
“It was really up to God’s grace, I had faith throughout the whole process, especially my senior year seeing a lot of guys that I played with from my freshman year up till then watching them play and leave and I’m here. Not as a bad thing, but I miss those guys like Austin and Kalif,” Bostick said. “I just have faith and stay with the process. This is where I’m at now and I’m thankful for it.”
As he returned to the field during the spring and the offseason, Bostick felt very little apprehension jumping back into the water.
“The only thing I wanted to see, as far as myself, was how I was going to perform after I was tackled, how I felt after I was tackled. Really nothing has changed, nothing is different,” Bostick said. “The only apprehension I can say that will probably hold me back is myself and I’ve just made sure that I stay focused.”
Bostick isn’t the only one who was excited for his return to the field. Lambert has enjoyed seeing him back practicing with the team.
“It’s really nice to have him back, he’s made some really big plays for us in the spring and throughout the August camp. He’s a hard-working guy, he’s a physical guy. He brings a real physical presence to our offense from a blocking standpoint. It’s good to have him back,” Lambert said.
With 1,416 career receiving yards, Bostick is positioned in second place behind former player Austin Duke for total career receiving yards. He is also second to Duke in the career receiving TD’s category with nine. The Spring Game was his first appearance back in front of Niner Nation and Bostick led the receiving corps with five catches for 65 yards.
“It feels so great to be back. I can’t wait till I actually come off the plane and see we’re actually here. After a year of not playing, I’m back at it,” Bostick said. “I can’t explain it, it’s just something that I feel I’ve been waiting for. I’m better than what I was coming in from last year to now.”