Interview with St. Thomas Aquinas 2017 LB Miami 4-Star Commit Tyler Dunning

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The future on the field for St. Thomas Aquinas and one of the top linebackers in the 2017 recruiting class is extremely bright. The Miami area squad is a national power readying for an opportunity to play for a Florida high school state championship sitting on a 5-1 record.

The Raiders are coming off a tough 6-3 loss to Deerfield where three interceptions, a blocked punt, and three missed field goals, including a 20-yarder with 41 seconds left in the game was too much to overcome on a rainy night.

The Raiders are still 5-1 and one of the most dangerous teams in the nation. The squad is loaded full of next level talent with Tyler Dunning being a key contributor. Dunning had 22 tackles in five games, before the Deerfield contest, with 4.0 tackles for a loss, and two fumble recoveries. The 6’1”, 230 pound, talent was a linebacker/defensive end combo for Dillard High School (Fort Lauderdale) in 2014 before transferring to St. Thomas Aquinas in the offseason where he is filling in at the same spots.

The change in venue has not hurt Dunning’s recruiting status but has only helped raise his stock. The 4-star recruit is one of 11 verbal commitments to the Miami Hurricane’s 2017 class picking the Canes over offers from South Carolina, Florida International, Florida Atlantic, Syracuse, Cincinnati, and Alabama.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Tyler before the Deerfield contest to go over St. Thomas Aquinas’ season to date getting his thoughts on how the squad looks, how his play has been on the field, and, of course, got a recruiting news update.

Interview

Tyler, how has the transition from Dillard to St. Thomas Aquinas been for you?

“It’s been great. I feel like I’m at home and everyone has treated me like family.”

You guys are 5-0 right now, how does the team look going forward? Do you think the Raiders have a good shot at winning state?

“We’re looking good but there is a lot of room for improvement. I hope we can go undefeated.”

What are your strengths on the field as a linebacker?

“I’m kind of playing both linebacker and D-line because someone got hurt so they have me on the line. My strengths are seeing the run and stopping the run. I’m getting better at my pass rush.”

In the offseason when you were working hard to prepare for your junior year what were some of the things you worked on to improve upon?

“My coverages and stopping the run.”

Are you happy with your progress so far?

“I feel like I’ve improved a lot.”

Your goals may have changed from the start of the season to now, but what are your goals for the 2015 season?

“My goal is to be able to help my team win.”

In the offseason I’m sure you did a lot to improve your overall strength, what is your current bench press and squat max?

“My bench is 325 and my squat is 415.”

What is the best 40-yard dash time you have posted?

“A 4.6.”

What has been your best game so far this season?

“I’d say Hallandale.”

What was it about that game that made it the best one for you?

“My execution throughout the game was great.”

I know you verbally committed to Miami in February but are there still coaches out there trying to pull you away from the Canes?

“Yeah there are a handful.”

Which schools are coming after you hoping to flip you?

“Alabama, TCU, Miami (Ohio), South Carolina, Arkansas, Clemson, Pitt, and a few others.”

When the coaches are talking to you about your skill set what are they telling you they like?

“They really don’t talk about my game that much. They talk about how I’m doing. They talk about me being a good player but mainly talk about other things.”

Of the schools that are getting in touch with you and pushing hard for you other than Miami, which schools are starting to grab your attention a little more?

“I’m interested in the schools but I have not really started taking a big interest in other schools.”

With Miami, what got you excited about committing to the Hurricanes in February?

“I felt at home and I liked it.”

Have you taken your ACT or SAT yet?

“I’m taking my first test in March.”

Tyler, thanks for your time today and good luck the rest of the way.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Tyler Dunning; Tyler at Miami flashing the “U.”

Photo credit: 247sports.com; Tyler playing for Dillard in 2014.

Photo credit: 247sports.com; Tyler at a football camp.