Dunbar shows he can do it all playing offense, defense and special teams
Dunbar will give his all this season for the football team. He has proven himself in the past not only in football, but on other athletic fields as well.
By Danny Gillham
Sports Editor

LaTarence Dunbar is everywhere at TCU.

If you were at the All Sports Pep Rally during Howdy Week, you saw him. Between dancing with Superfrog and leading “riff ram bah zoo,” Dunbar was on the microphone getting the crowd ready for football season.

On the football field, his presence is constant as well.

Dunbar, a fifth-year senior, is one of the leaders on offense. Coming to TCU as a running back from South Oak Cliff, Dunbar was redshirted and converted to receiver. His stats improving each year, Dunbar finished last season with 41 catches at an average of 12.9 yards a catch, and three touchdowns.

He also has a impressionable career as a returner.

In his sophomore season, Dunbar was the nation’s top returner with 33.7 yards a return. He also has two touchdowns in his career off kick returns, including a 100 yard return, which ties for the school record.
Plus, Dunbar had a stellar career with track and field. He holds the school record in the indoor 60-meter high hurdles (7.88 seconds), and the outdoor 110-meter high hurdles (13.64 seconds). Dunbar also ran on the 2000 4x400 meter relay team that qualified for the NCAA Indoor Championships.

Now, the team may play Dunbar at safety this season. An aggressive and confident player, coaches feel he would fit into TCU’s style of defense.

“I’m excited about it,” Dunbar said. “It shows people that I’m versatile, and it shows myself that I can pretty much do everything. I always wanted to play defense, and felt like I’m a defensive player. A lot of people don’t like contact, and I’m one of those people who do.”

Head coach Gary Patterson said the versatile Dunbar will be spread out according to the situation at hand.

“We’re looking to play him 75/25,” Patterson said. “If we need him more on defense, he’ll play 75 percent there or vice versa. He can play all the time on special teams.”

Senior cornerback Jason Goss says Dunbar is dedicated. The two were up this summer at 5 a.m. working on his backpedaling and other movements.

Goss said he’s a welcome addition to the defense.

“He brings excitement to the defense,” Goss said. “He also helps the defense get prepared in practice, and that’s what we need sometimes. We have a lot of young guys, we need to get them ready for our games.”

With the rigors of an 11 game schedule, questions of fatigue or injury can be found in playing Dunbar on so many plays.

However it’s something that he is not worried about.

“I am a football player,” Dunbar said. “I love playing football, and I don’t try to limit myself. The only time I’m tired is when it’s over and I feel like I gave it my all.”