HUGE BOOST: Texas Confirms Another Commitment for elite talented linebacker over TCU, Utah

Versatile linebacker/safety hybrid from Fort Worth’s North Crowley High School, has committed to the Texas Longhorns over the TCU Horned Frogs and Utah Utes. The 6’2, 195-pounder made an official visit to Texas on June 14 and also visited TCU, Utah, and Kansas, though the Jayhawks did not make his final three. Among his 19 offers, Texas joined his recruitment relatively late, extending an offer on February 1 alongside Arizona State, Arkansas, Baylor, Miami, Missouri, Oklahoma State, and Oregon State.

With Gary Patterson no longer leading Fort Worth, TCU’s defensive evaluations by coordinator Andy Avalos don’t hold the same influence. However, the pursuit by Kyle Whittington and the Utes speaks highly of Cunningham as a prospect.

Cunningham’s positional versatility is notable, as he can play in space either as a big nickel on the strong side at linebacker or in a box safety role, showcasing his ability to cover ground. His primary area for improvement is adding strength and muscle mass to his lean frame. If he can add 25-30 pounds or reach the 210-215 pound range, he could project as an SEC inside linebacker. Currently, his lack of functional strength is most evident in his tackling, where he often resorts to dragging down opponents.

I’m 1000% COMMITTED‼️‼️ #HookEm @CoachSark @therealraygates @CoachEReinhart @Coachi_21 @MikeRoach247 pic.twitter.com/vu3qbuyQBZ

— Jonathan Cunningham (@Deucethegreat4) July 13, 2024

Cunningham’s junior highlight reel features several impactful special teams plays, suggesting he could contribute on special teams early in his college career. His long-term development and physical maturation at Texas will determine his potential to become a defensive contributor.

Ranked as a consensus three-star prospect, Cunningham is the No. 461 player nationally and the No. 47 linebacker, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. With the Longhorns recently missing out on the nation’s No. 4 linebacker, Riley Pettijohn, to the Buckeyes, Cunningham joins Elijah Barnes from Dallas Skyline in Texas’ 2025 class. This class now features 14 pledges and ranks No. 16 nationally, moving ahead of Rutgers in the 247Sports Composite team rankings.