Interview: 2018 Florida 4-Star OL Curtis Dunlap has 36 Offers and Counting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Talent and ability on the gridiron can come in any form, shape, or size. When there is a combination of ability, size, and that extra something – that little extra magic, mixed with the right mentality, a player has taken his game to the next level. One of the best players in the 2018 class who seems to have it all is offensive lineman Curtis Dunlap Jr.

Dunlap is an offensive lineman’s lineman. At 6-6, 340 pounds, he has played guard and tackle so far and has committed himself to playing center during his senior season to be even more versatile at the next level. The Jacksonville area talent suited up for IMG Academy during the 2016 season showcasing his skills along the way to an 11-0 season. The Ascenders have an all-star squad, but took on the challenge of playing anyone and anywhere this year. The end result, besides perfection in the win-loss column, was an end of season No. 4 ranking by MaxPreps.

College coaches have not wasted any time extending offers to Dunlap. So far 36 schools have presented him with a scholarship. The many includes but is not limited to Oklahoma, Georgia, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Arkansas, Colorado, USC, Tennessee, Pitt, Purdue, Iowa State, Mississippi State, Oklahoma State, Miami, Duke, South Carolina, and Michigan. What all the coaches see in Dunlap besides a physically ready to play lineman is a player with very good footwork that plays with good pad level. Dunlap has great awareness coming off blocks to pick up a blitz or a stunt. Once Dunlap locks onto a defender he swallows up the opposition until the whistle blows.

Perhaps the thing that sets Dunlap apart from others even further is his mentality. When talking football, he gets down to business with his drive, determination, and focus shining through. He truly seems to be beyond his years not only physically but mentally with his approach to the game.

Dunlap sat down for a Recruiting News Guru interview covering his junior season in Bradenton (FL) along with his recruiting process to date.

Interview

IMG had another great season in 2016. What was the mentality of the team when you guys beat Bishop Sullivan Catholic (16-6) to close out the year undefeated?

“That was the motivation of the whole year, we had never had a perfect season. We had a bunch of one week seasons we were playing to make sure we won every game.”

You guys had a really tough schedule and played all over the country. How was the grind of the season for you with travel, practice, school, and playing on Fridays?

“It was something we had to cope with and had to deal with. The coaching staff knew what we had to do as players and as students. We took it day by day, but school was first. If we had to miss practice for school, that happened. We worked with coaches and school to make sure we got all of our classroom work completed. There were up and downs. If we left on a Wednesday for a game, that was two days of school we were missing and needed to make up. We would go straight to school on Sunday when we got back to get our work done. Then we were ready to leave for another week.”

Which defensive lineman or linebacker was the best, toughest, or most fun to go up against this year?

“I destroyed linebackers all year. There were no linebackers I did not destroy all year and pancake. With defensive linemen, we did not play a lot of good ones this year. When we played in Jacksonville against Trinity Christian Academy (won 34-21), they have some very good players. It was fun to play against them. There are guys on that team I grew up with. We would tap each other’s hat after plays. I know the Trinity guys, they are my dudes. That was a fun matchup. Tyreke Johnson, I got him on a couple of plays later he got me.”

How did playing against Trinity make you better?

“They made me better because I really got to see what Jacksonville had to offer. I’m not the only prospect out of Jacksonville. You can watch them play all day long but it is nothing like playing against them to see how good someone really is on the field.”

How did you game get better during your junior season?

“I improved a lot. My football IQ got better, my knowledge of the game, winning one-on-one matchups, staying stout in slide protection, and knowing who I am pulling for if that guy shoots a gap all got better.”

What are you better at right now, run or pass blocking?

“Run blocking, but it’s not like a big gap. I’d say I’m close to 50-50. With pass protection you can stumble or set up too wide. I’m working on everything.”

Which parts of your game are strengths?

“Coming off the ball aggressive and getting to backers to make lanes. I think my game all around and my run blocking are really my strengths. I have an understanding of our schemes and the footwork I need to do to execute our plays.”

What will you work on during the off-season?

“I’m going to work on my footwork and set recognition – if there is a tight-three go inside. Understanding if this man is head up with me, do I attack or jump set him? Do I set back and wait for him? Working on keeping off A or C gap and being a more dominate force in the run game. I want them to run right behind me during a big game. I want my teammates and coaches to know I will get you that tough first down in a big game.”

What are your weight room max totals?

“We only do bench and squat. My bench is 315 and my squat is 550.”

550 – wow.

“Thank you.”

Have you set any off-season goals yet?

“I’m trying to get 400 pounds on bench. I’m trying to lose about 30 pounds so I can move to center. I want a year at playing every position.”

So next year you may be the starting center for IMG?

“That is what the coach has been telling me. I played some center this year. When I have been on my game I have been one of the best, but when I’m not I am like everyone else. I will work on that. I have been talking to a lot of college coaches. Versatility will get you on the field in college. I don’t want to be the cocky guy that says he deserves to start but I want to be that sixth or seventh man that swings in because I am versatile and ready to play.”

How many offers do you have right now?

“I have 36 offers.”

Which schools that have offered you are showing the most interest?

“Oklahoma, Memphis, Florida, Florida State, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Georgia, Miami – really all of the schools that have offered me are showing a lot of interest. That is what makes it hard to narrow down the list.”

Are there any schools that have not offered you but are showing interest?

“Not that I am aware of. I try to keep my recruiting as small as I can. That will help me be able to pick where I want to go sooner. I don’t want to post a Top 10 with something saying ‘scheduled to change based on incoming offers.’ I want my Top 10 list to be final.”

Did you take any game day visits during the season?

“No.”

Do you have any visits coming up?

“I am going to a Junior Day at Central Florida in January. I’m driving up to Memphis for a visit there with one of my friends. I plan on visiting Florida and Florida State too.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“I have a 3.0. I’m trying to get it to a 3.5 by the end of the year.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I have not taken either one of them yet. I am scheduled to take the SAT in February.”

What is your off-season schedule like at IMG?

“My main focus is football. I will not pursue any other sports. I’m not sure about the schedule. We lift, and have run days. We have leadership classes, yoga, and mental conditioning to help us get ready for the game.”

Curtis, thanks for your time today. Good luck with all your upcoming visits.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; No. 77 Curtis Dunlap pregame vs. Centennial (2016).

Photo credit: Tom Lemming; No. 77 Curtis Dunlap.