Interview: Six-Offer 2021 Florida WR Jaedan Dunning Talks Workouts and Recruiting Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Class of 2021 athlete Jaedan Dunning caught the eye of collegiate scout during the 2018 season lining up as a receiver for Tampa Bay Tech. The Titans turned in a 7-4 season against 7A Florida competition and that served as a spring board for Dunning picking up six scholarship offers to date. The offering schools includes Liberty, Louisiana-Monroe, Southern Miss, Troy, Vanderbilt, and Wyoming. As the 6-0, 165-pound, receiver pushes his game forward, he is also taking on two new challenges suiting up for Tampa Bay Christian Academy while adding a new position to his resume, free safety.
With Dunning heating up the recruiting trail this spring pulling in offers and taking visits, I sat down with him to learn more about his skillset on the field and his expanding recruiting prospects.
Interview
Jaedan, how did you prepare in the offseason for your sophomore season?
“In the offseason I was working on contested catches and my speed. I worked on my 40 and combine stuff as well. My goal was getting my weight up, adding strength and improving my conditioning.”
With all the hard work put in, how did it turn out?
“It was alright, but it could have been better. It was good, but I feel it will be a better season this year.”
Where did you line up on the field?
“I lined up on the outside and some in the slot as well.”
Where did you see the improvements in your game?
“I saw the improvements in my route running and getting in-and-out of my breaks.”
Will you take on any new roles or positions with Tampa Bay Christian in 2019?
“Yes. I will play both ways. I will play some free safety this year.”
Are you excited about playing safety?
“Yes, sir.”
What are you working on this spring with your game?
“This spring I am working on finishing plays after the catch. I am working on taking contact and keeping my legs going for extra yards.”
Are you doing anything differently with your preparation this spring?
“No. I am focused on my speed and agility mostly.”
Where are you already seeing the biggest improvements in your skillset?
“My biggest improvements, I am outrunning defenders and I am quicker getting in-and-out of my breaks. I am definitely faster than before.”
Have you been to any national camps this offseason?
“Yes. I went to the Adidas Three-Stripe Camp.”
How did that go?
“It was good. I had a lot of highlight plays.”
You are blowing up on the recruiting trail now. How many offers do you have?
“I have six offers.”
Which schools were the last couple to offer you?
“Wyoming and Liberty.”
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“I am receiving interest from Northwestern, USF (South Florida), and FSU (Florida State).”
Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?
“Yes. I visited USF this past Wednesday.”
How did the USF visit go?
“It went well. I like the campus and the players were welcoming. I took a tour of the school and we watched a practice. Then we met with the players in locker room.”
Do you have any planned visits coming up?
“Yes. I am visiting FSU next weekend for a Junior Day.”
What has you excited about visiting FSU?
“I like the environment FSU has from what I see watching their games. I am excited to see it in-person.”
Are you playing any other varsity sports for the Rams?
“Yes. I play basketball and I am doing track.”
How did the basketball season go?
“It went well. I was starting as soon as I joined the team.”
Nice. Which events are you competing this year with track?
“The 100, 4×1, and long jump.”
Jaedan, I appreciate your time today and wish you success with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Dunning family; Jaedan Dunning at USF and Adidas Three-Stripe Camp
Pingback: Interview with 6-Offer 2021 Florida Two-Way ATH Jaedan Dunning - Recruiting News Guru