Interview: 2018 North Carolina QB Justin Dunn Setting Table for Big Senior Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Dedication, preparation, and opportunity are coming together in Raleigh for Class of 2018 quarterback Justin Dunn. The pro-style quarterback turned in a full season of highlights during the 2016 season showing off an emerging skillset. All of that hard work and experience at the varsity level over the past two years is readying for a big senior campaign in 2017 for Dunn.

The table was set for Dunn during his sophomore season to gain the needed experience on the field to be a rising star in North Carolina. A small setback occurred when a pinched nerve in his neck effected his throwing arm limiting his 2015 season to four games. Despite the disappointment of an abbreviated season, Dunn still got snaps as a starter with Sanderson High School completing 26-of-68 passes covering 327 yards with four scores tossed.

Dunn got a full season under his belt as a junior connecting on 84-of-159 passes for 1,134 yards with 10 touchdowns in stats posted from 12 of 13 games played. The Spartans posted a 9-4 record in 2016 with Dunn showing off an array of talent lining up in the Pistol and I-formation sets. The 6-1, 205 pound, gunslinger displayed touch on long passes with the ability to throw it on a line across the middle or deep down the sidelines.

North Carolina area schools are already showing interest leading to an all too important camp season for Dunn. Unofficial visits to North Carolina State, North Carolina, Charlotte, Campbell, Duke, and East Carolina could turn interest into offers in the coming months.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Dunn going over his junior season while getting an update on his off-season plans and recruitment to date.

Interview

Justin, when did you start playing varsity ball for Sanderson?

“My sophomore year. I played the first four games out the season but missed the rest of the year due to a shoulder injury. My junior year I played the entire season.”

What was the injury to your shoulder?

“I had a pinched nerve in the back of neck that went into my rotator cuff. That hindered my whole season.”

You are 100 percent now?

“Yes. I got back to 100 percent towards the end of the season.”

Since you have a lot of valuable snaps over the past two seasons, how has your skillset evolved with game experience?

“My sophomore year we did a lot of roll out and play-action stuff. I did more pocket passing this year. We had strong receivers to start the year. As we progressed through the season we went to more of a play-action team towards the end of the season as we lost receivers.”

With the Spartans, looks like you run some Pistol and Pro-style under center, how many different offenses do you guys run?

“Through the course of this year we switched it up. Trent Pennix (Class of 2018) was at wide receiver for the first couple of games. He ended up being our running back leading our conference in rushing before getting injured (167/1,215/12). We ran some I-formation on the goal line, but primarily ran Pistol and pro-sets this year.”

What are the strengths of your game from a technical point of view?

“I think my footwork is good. That is what I have been told. Out of the pro-style, I am strong dropping back. In the classroom I put a lot of work into preparing pregame and look at my performance in post-game film sessions. I have a strong arm. I cannot speak for myself sounding cocky. At camps and combines I have been told I have a nice release and form.”

What are the strengths of your game understanding the mental aspects of the game?

“That is a huge part. My father (Jeff Dunn) played some quarterback in college (Alabama). He always has advice for me. Pre-snap is a big deal for me, especially in a pro-style formation. Post-snap to a two-step, post to two, it is very important to know how the coverage might have changed from what you thought pre-snap. That part of my game has improved. Last year that was one of the areas that I knew I needed improvement. I picked that up this year.”

What are you planning on working on this off-season?

“This year I will work on the mental stuff as usual. I’ll also work on getting bigger, stronger, and faster. I’m not a tall guy. I have to make up for it in speed and strength. I plan on going to a bunch of camps and combines to learn more.”

It is still early, but do you know which camps you might attend?

“Definitely Prospect Days at ECU (East Carolina), Duke, UNC (North Carolina), N.C. State, and Campbell if possible. I’m going to a Nike rating day to get a verified stats. I have put in my information for the Elite 11. I’m trying to earn a spot at some of the Rivals camps.”

You mentioned getting bigger and stronger, do you remember your weight room numbers from the off-season?

“We have not maxed out since the summer but my bench is around 260, my squat is 400, and my clean is 265.”

Did you take any game day visits this season?

“I did. I visited N.C. State, UNC, Charlotte, ECU, Duke, and Campbell. I’m going to Columbia for a Junior Day in New York, Princeton, Charlotte, and East Carolina coming up.”

There may be some overlap here, but which schools are showing recruiting interest in you right now?

“ECU, Charlotte, and Campbell are the top three showing the most interest. ECU have been showing us Sanderson guys love. Charlotte as well. They have reached out to a couple guys on the team. I’ve talked to Campbell’s quarterback coach. They seem like they like me. They are sending me stuff electronically and through the mail.”

You have a lot of great unofficial visits under your belt so far. With all of the visits, what have you learned so far that has helped you have a better understanding of the game at the next level?

“Definitely seeing how much work college players put in over high school players. Just with the team not just individually. At Campbell and at Duke, they were talking about their weight training schedule. That opened my eyes. That has helped prepare me and inform me on what I need to do.”

Do you have a cumulative GPA you don’t mind sharing?

“I have a 3.7.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“No. I am scheduled to take the ACT in February and again in March.”

Are you playing any spring sports for Sanderson?

“No. Football is my only sport at Sanderson.”

Are there any bowl games coming up that you are excited to see?

“The N.C. State bowl game will be interesting. That will be fun to watch and the playoffs. My whole family is diehard Roll Tide. We’ll be surfing around to see all the games.”

Justin, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming visits.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: HighSchoolOT.com; No. 3 Justin Dunn scrambles vs. Apex.

Photo credit: hudl.com; Justin Dunn looks for a receiver.

Photo credit: Dunn family; Justin Dunn at N.C. State.