Test score looms large for Georgia DT
A major new player has stepped into the picture for
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Cliff Dunham, and while it's
hard to hide his enthusiasm for the caliber of teams pursuing him, his tone
turns serious when he talks about one of the biggest factors in his
recruitment.
"I've got this SAT test, that's my No. 1 thing right
now," he said. "If I can get past that with a good score, I'm going to have
a lot of good options," he said. "But if I don't take care of business, all
these letters and phone calls from big schools don't mean a thing. It's
getting pretty serious now, but I'm confident I can do it. I'm going to take
it one more time in December and hope for the best."
If he records a qualifying score, it's going to be
an interesting battle for Dunham (6-3, 270, 4.8), a member of the Rivals.com
Top 50 team and the No. 18 defensive tackle in the nation.
"Oklahoma has started calling," he said. "They've
been talking to coach a lot, asking for film and information on me. He said
they would probably offer if I can get my score."
How much interest would the Deep South native have
in the Sooners?
"Oh, man. Big time," Dunham said. "When someone like
Oklahoma, the No. 1 team in the BCS and up there with Miami calls, I listen.
They'd be right up there high on my list."
Dunham is also being recruited by the likes of
Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Auburn, Boston College, Maryland, South
Carolina, Indiana and Ole Miss. He said all have made conditional offers
pending his test results.
He has an official visit set up for Jan. 24 at
Alabama and is in the process of scheduling with Maryland and Ole Miss. A
surprise team may also get a visit. Division I-AA power, Eastern Kentucky,
for which Dunham's brother (Jason) plays, has been making a strong push for
him in the event he does not qualify.
"As you can see, I'm keeping all options open," he
said. "Basically, I'm just waiting to see what it all looks like after I get
the SAT scores back. I haven't marked anyone off my list."
Through nine games this season, Dunham has recorded
90 tackles and three sacks for Columbus Pacelli. As a junior, he tallied 70 tackles and eight
sacks in establishing a reputation as one of the South's top defensive line
prospects.