Film Study: Rivals100 WR John Dunmore
He was the highest-rated wide receiver left in the entire Class of 2019 when Florida star John Dunmore announced for Penn State, bypassing in-state powers Florida State, Florida and Miami. It was a huge pickup for James Franklin and his coaching staff, as the junior season film hints that Dunmore is worth the hype.
Playing against some of the best competition in South Florida, Dunmore's highlight film, in which he plays wide receiver, defensive back and quarterback, is that of an explosive athlete who can make plays all over the field from multiple positions. It's the stuff of a Rivals100 prospect, but even before reviewing Dunmore's 2017 season at American Heritage, simply what he has put on display during off-season camps and 7-on-7 competitions has been noteworthy.
A twitchy athlete who measures in at a lean at 6-foot-3 and 170 pounds, Dunmore isn't just a long-strider who towers over his opponent. He has feet like a scat back and he can leap with the best of them, comprising a unique skill set that makes for one of the more gifted WRs in this class. If there's a position whose success on the camp circuit can translate onto the field in pads, it's a WR, and Dunmore has transitioned smoothly as one of the top summer camp performers to the best player on the field.
His junior season highlights show a tricky and creative route runner who has a nose for the football. While he might not be the strongest guy on the field, he can fight through traffic in order to catch the ball. He also isn't hesitant to block and he's an effective safety on defense.
But it's WR wherein his future lies. He likely could fit in at any of the three WR spots on Penn State's offense, as his film shows the ability to handle multiple roles but he primarily lines up out wide for his high school team.
Only the first three minutes of Dunmore's highlight reel center on his play at WR, so in my opinion it shows only a portion of his potential. The first play shows his jumping ability and his knack for high pointing the ball while the second play shows his quick-twitch jump step coming out of his break. The third play highlights his jab step at the start of the route and then his ability to track the pass. Dunmore flashes that jab step, which seems to be a specialty of his, again at the 1:13 mark as he quickly fakes an out before slanting inside for an easy score.
While Dunmore isn't going to overpower many opponents, its clear he has outstanding core strength and balance. At the 2:24 mark he fights through tight man coverage to outreach the cornerback for the touchdown, but Dunmore also demonstrates his ability to block. At the 0:57 mark, Dunmore blocks two defenders on a screen, the latter of which is a vicious peel-back. Then at the 2:09 mark it's his hustle as a blocker that helps turn an inside handoff into a 50-yard gain.
Dunmore's talents as a receiver are further illustrated in the videos of him at camp, as the rest of his highlight film after the 3:00 mark is of other positions. The defense portion begins with him returning an interception 50 yards and then at the 4:10 mark he plays outstanding centerfield and flashes his catch-up speed in knocking a ball loose.
Beginning at 4:40, Dunmore plays some quarterback for American Heritage. Most notable is his elusiveness at the position. Hurdle alert at 5:50 and at 5:55 Dunmore shows just how difficult he is to bring down when he has the ball in his hands – no matter which position he's playing.
Watch Dunmore in a camp setting, beginning at the 2:40 mark below!