With senior JJ Dunnigan on the football field, there was a common impulse to start videoing – because there was always the expectation that you’d capture a highlight reel. Dunnigan, a two-way player who signed with Miami, is Shelter Insurance’s VYPE Kansas Football Player of Year.
“JJ was a phenomenal player for us,” Manhattan coach Joe Schartz said. “He was able to win every matchup for us offensively and defensively. He has elite speed and athleticism.
“His size and strength improved as he progressed through his high school career, allowing us to play him more in the box as an extra run defender. It allowed us to give different looks defensively and pressure and spy opposing quarterbacks.”
Dunnigan helped lead Manhattan to the Class 6A title, beating Olathe Northwest 27-0. Defensively, he had nine tackles. Offensively, he had three catches for 111 yards, including touchdown receptions of 68 and 50 yards – the first right before halftime, the second to open the third quarter.
Congratulations to JJ, his family, Manhattan High and the University of Miami for their help in providing VYPE with the photo of JJ and his awards!
