/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46932160/usa-today-8162128.0.jpg)
Alec Dunham drew attention from major conference football programs all across the country, including some of the top academic universities around. Oddly enough, only one other Big 12 program pursued the three star linebacker (Oklahoma State), despite his successful career as a high schooler in Coldspring, Texas - where he finished as district MVP and an academic all-state selection. An ACL tear in 2013, and his early pledge to TCU may have played a role in slowing his recruitment, but he came back healthy and productive and finished his career strong.
The early enrollee stands at 6'1" with 4.43 speed, and comes to the Frogs after starring on both sides of the ball for Coldspring-Oakhurst High School in Coldspring, TX. Here's what Greg Powers of Scout.com has to say about Dunham:
Dunham has to come back and prove that he is good to go off of an ACL injury he suffered at the start of the 2013 season. These days prospects often come back even stronger. You can not help but fall in love with his film. He plays both ways and has the star quality on the field. He is a scrappy running back. Hits the hole hard and has some wiggle. On defense, he flies to the football and has great burst. A solid overall athlete
Dunham moved his way up the depth chart over the course of the spring, eventually landing as the backup to Sammy Douglas at the strong side linebacker. He has showed promise as fall camp begins as well, and looks to be a candidate for his fair share of defensive snaps oncethe games begin. With so much turnover in the back end, the ability of Freeze to step in and contribute as true freshmen can't be overstated. Having a head start as an early enrollee gives Dunham a leg up, and he's been at least good enough to allow GP to move the only other veteran in the position group (Paul Whitmill) to fullback.
We will see how Dunham and his crew perform 23 days from now in Minnesota!