ITYT: What Jonathan Cunningham brings to the Texas Longhorns
Joe Cook and Coach Williams evaluate what the addition of Fort Worth (Texas) North Crowley linebacker Jonathan Cunningham means for the Texas Longhorns’ 2025 class.
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Cunningham, who committed to Texas over Utah and TCU at a ceremony at his high school on Friday, brings a versatile piece to the Longhorn defense in the mold of current Texas linebacker Morice Blackwell. Williams notes his physicality and toughness, and even mentions other schools have tried to have him join their program as a defensive back. The versatility and athletic ability of Cunningham also makes him a strong contender to play a considerable amount of special teams during his career.
What’s next at the linebacker position is the next topic. Texas now has Cunningham and Elijah Barnes committed in the class, but missed on Riley Pettijohn. The Longhorns are in heated pursuit of Madden Faraimo, and if Texas nabbed him it would give the Longhorns a very multi-faceted linebacker group.
Utah’s evaluation process is discussed, as Ute head coach Kyle Whittingham and defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley are known for having a strong eye. Similar applies to TCU defensive coordinator Andy Avalos. Those programs working to add Cunningham yet still winning his commitment is indicative of the potential for development the Horns see.
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Not to be forgotten in the process is Johnny Nansen, who built a very strong relationship with Cunningham. The three-star defender often mentioned how relationships were important in this process, and Nansen built the strongest one of his finalists.
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