A landmark eligibility ruling has the Knights eyeing a defensive reunion, as star safety Phillip Dunnam hints at a return to bolster Alex Grinch’s secondary for 2025.
This recent court injunction ruling all 2022 graduates worthy of an additional year of eligibility has thrown programs across the country into haywire, but it could spell positives for UCF.
We have covered various players in line to return for men's hoops and football, most recently featuring Cole Kozlowski's return to the gridiron.
But, another player is seemingly seeking another year, with defensive back Phillip Dunnam posting cryptic messages on social media.
"So if our previous school doesn’t have a roster opening for us we reap no benefits of the ruling? Correct?" Dunnam asked via X after the ruling.
While the full result of the injunction remains to be seen, finding a spot for Dunnam should not be difficult, as he was one of the Knights' most dynamic defenders.
Dunnam's performance last season ranked him within the top-six safeties in the Big 12, grading in as an 86.3 according to PFSN College. He ranked tenth-best in passer rating when targeted, surrendering just a 60.5 mark when the ball came his way.
Upon the season's conclusion, Dunnam was named a Second-Team All-Big 12 Safety by the same publication.
Dunnam set a career-high in total tackles, recording 44 solo and 16 assist tackles, while also marking his third-consecutive season with three interceptions.
However, these takeaways came in a special form, as Dunnam recorded one of the most impressive performances in program history against Houston in early November.
Dunnam's first theft came towards the end of the first quarter, stalling out a productive drive from Houston. Dunnam jumped a slant route on a fourth and short, taking Houston out of field goal range and helping the Knights maintain a slight 3-0 lead.
Just before halftime, Dunnam struck again, intercepting Weigman for a second time and taking this one the other way for six. This play was a huge momentum shifter for the Knights, as Dunnam's score extended the lead to 24-14 just before halftime.
In the second half, Dunnam struck again, registering his third pick of the game.
Dunnam's three takeaways served as a spark for UCF's offense, displaying elusiveness on his interception returns. His returns generated 81 yards, setting the Knights up in plus territory.
Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to get the win, but Dunnam deserves his flowers.
Following the game, junior defensive tackle RJ Jackson Jr. spoke to media about what it was like to witness such a special showing.
"That was an unbelievable day," Jackson Jr. said. "When you know you got guys like that playing in the back end, it makes your job of front like that much easier."
Getting the duo of Dunnam and Kozlowski back on the roster would add high-end talent to defensive coordinator Alex Grinch's unit.
