Whitehouse’s Justin Dunning Talks Texas Sophomore Day Visit

The Texas Longhorns football program hosted a slew of talented sophomores this past weekend, including Whitehouse safety Justin Dunning.

The 6-foot-4, 200-pound Dunning enjoyed his visit to Austin, even if an offer did not immediately come.

"I loved it. It was great," he said. "They really like me and they said don't stress about not getting my offer that weekend because some people get theirs before others and mine will come."

Dunning said Texas is looking at him at either safety position, but if he grows into his frame, "I might be a nickel player like Kenny Vaccaro or even an outside linebacker."

Dunning had a breakout sophomore season this past fall for the Wildcats, who started 9-0 and finished 10-2 with a Class 4A Division II Region II second-round playoff appearance. He had 61 tackles, five interceptions, three fumble recoveries, and five pass breakups.

Dunning could see extensive playing time on both sides of the ball this fall, when the Wildcats welcome back a bevy of offensive weapons. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who holds Texas Tech and Rice football offers and Arkansas and Arizona baseball offers, joins the second-, third-, and fourth-leading receivers from the 2012 squad: Jake Parker, Coleman Patterson, and Jaylon Dews. Also in the mix is running back Vincent Dunning, who ran for 401 yards and three touchdowns and caught 11 passes for 144 yards and three scores in only six games last season.

Justin Dunning's size could mean that he takes the receiver spot vacated by Dylan Cantrell, who signed with Texas Tech after being the Wildcats' primary deep threat this past fall. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Cantrell had almost 1,400 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns.

Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma are the schools Dunning has heard from the most. The recruiting process is in its infancy for Dunning, who said he's "loving every bit of it."

Well, except for one part, understandably.

"I know it's going to really pick up soon and I'm going to start getting a bunch of offers," he said. "The only bad part is I get an interview about my recruiting like every day from different people that ask the same questions.

"I'm just taking it in right now and enjoying the process. No favorites right now. I'm open to everyone."