Meet the Gators: Q&A with Early Enrollee Jessamen Dunker
Monday, February 6, 2012 | Football, Scott Carter
Editor's note: National Signing Day was last Wednesday and Gators coach Will Muschamp officially announced the 2012 recruiting class. Six members enrolled early, however, and began classes in January. GatorZone.com continues its series on UF's six early enrollees.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Jessamen Dunker spent the majority of his youth in Georgia before moving to Boynton Beach two years ago.
It wasn't long after Dunker arrived that the former basketball player was convinced to give football a try. Good move for the 6-foot-4, 320-pound offensive lineman.
Dunker's size and strength make him an ideal offensive guard to run behind, which is why he was so heavily recruited by schools across the country.
Here is our Q&A with Dunker:
Q: Why did you decide to attend Florida?
A: The main factor was just coming in early and playing hard. The team and coaches had a good bond with me, so it was good.
Q: How long was your contact with Florida before you committed?
A: They started recruiting me in February [2011] and I committed in March.
Q: What's the biggest moment you have had on a football field?
A: Up to this point definitely the Under-Armour Game, that whole week. It was great. It taught us good things.
Q: Who was your head coach?
A: Herm Edwards
Q: Could you tell the caliber of competition was better than you faced regularly in high school?
A: In high school I was the biggest thing out there, but when I got to the Under-Armour Game there were people as big as or bigger than me. They went hard every down and they got me better and hopefully I got them better.
Q: When did you start thinking a Division I scholarship was possible for you?
A: Around February [2011] when I got my first offer from East Carolina. Then they just started rolling in. I didn't start playing football until my junior year. Until I sent out my highlight tape, I didn't know what to expect.
Q: Why so long to start playing football?
A: I was a basketball player and then I moved to Florida. So I tried giving it a shot and it worked out.
Q: Who had the biggest influence on you growing up?
A: My dad Troy Dunker. Me and him went through everything. I spent most of my life with him. He taught me mostly everything. He was a great role model.
Q: What's a secret talent other than football?
A: I dance better than Chris Brown. No, I like fishing.
