Texas RB Tavierre Dunlap commits to Michigan

On the biggest college football Saturday of the season thus far, Michigan found a way to make headlines.

The Wolverines landed a commitment from three-star Del Valle (Texas) running back Tavierre Dunlap. The nation's No. 27-ranked tailback chose Michigan over Oklahoma State, Nebraska, Arizona State and Washington, among others.

Dunlap, a native of Chicago, is the first running back in Michigan's 2021 class. He's also the first Texas-based recruit in the group. Dunlap is the Wolverines' 21st total pledge in a haul that ranked No. 8 nationally in the Rivals teams rankings entering the week.

"Honestly, it was probably like a couple weeks ago (when I decided). The biggest reason for me was how prestigious the school was academically and that they played great football. I built a bond with all the coaches and I knew it was a decision I would feel good about."

"This was definitely the toughest (decision) I ever made. Every school that I’ve talked to did a great job recruiting me and I appreciate every single one of them. They (Michigan) separated when I realized every time I would sit and think about schools, Michigan would always pop in my head. I was just constantly thinking about playing there."

"Coach (Jay) Harbaugh was the main one that was recruiting me. He just ... everyday was sending me facts about the school, how I would benefit. He was honest with me from the start."

"I like the campus and it looked like a place I could call home."

"The biggest thing I was thinking about was playing early. I know for a fact I wanted to get on the field and have a fair amount of carries and coach told me he wasn’t recruiting me to sit on the sidelines. I know Michigan has the tools to develop me and get to the league."

"It kind of does mean a lot (being from Chicago). It’s gonna be really cool to know my family members are at the game cheering me on."

Dunlap is a big-bodied back that measures in at 6-foot and about 200 pounds. He's a two-sport standout that competes in both football and track and field.

Last season, Dunlap was a unanimous District 25-6A selection in 2019 after eight 100-plus-yard performances, averaging better than 136 yards from scrimmage per game and scoring 23 total touchdowns and has earned All-District honors in consecutive seasons for Del Valle. In that span, Dunlap has found the end zone on 40 times while averaging 8.7 yards per attempt.

Dunlap's amassed 1,449 yards rushing as a sophomore in 2018 and scored 17 rushing touchdowns. Last year, he nearly matched his product on fewer attempts -- 128 carries for 1,341 yards -- and found the end zone via the ground 20 times. Dunlap also became more of a threat in the passing game, catching 20 passes for 208 yards and three more scores.

In terms of track times, Dunlap owns personal-bests in the 100-meter (11.5 seconds) and 200-meter (22.81 seconds) in addition to participating on relay teams. Last spring, he clocked a 4.63-second 40 along with a 4.49-second short shuttle. He clocked an 11.23-second 100-meter as a sophomore. Dunlap also has marks in the vertical (33.5 inches) and long jump (20 feet, 11 inches).

Dunlap possesses a big frame, but he's nimble and shows a preference to bound runs outside. He's dynamic in a spread offense for Del Valle because he's a physical runner that powers forward and thrives off contact. Because of his combination of size and speed, Dunlap packs home-run potential. He has great feet and balance with the ability to keep his legs churning enough to pick up yards after contact.

Coaches at Del Valle praise Dunlap's ability to be catch out of the backfield and his totals in 2019 show as much. Dunlap may be a powerful runner, but he has enough speed to break away in the open field and enough agility to move well laterally. Once in span, Dunlap is a load to bring down and commands multiple defenders gang tackling.

Dunlap can run high at times and takes indirect paths to the open field. At his best, he bursts through the line and breaks loose for big gains. On other occasions, Dunlap can stutter and be overly patient, but he's wildly productive and brings a ton of raw potential to the position. He possesses good speed to go along with his downhill running style and provides an element of physicality to his offense.