Three things to know about North Crowley linebacker, Texas signee Jonathan Cunningham
North Crowley linebacker Jonathan Cunningham signed with the Texas Longhorns on early national signing day.
Here are three things to know about Cunningham, one of the best linebackers in Texas high school football.
A highly respected talent
Cunningham, with a 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame, is a 247Sports three-star prospect. He had offers from Kansas, Utah, TCU, Baylor, Houston, Oklahoma State, SMU, Texas State and more.
He ended up committing to Texas in July, choosing the Longhorns over Utah.
He played a key role for North Crowley as a junior, leading the Panthers to the Class 6A state semifinals. He was selected to the District 3-6A First Team.
A leader of a stout North Crowley defense
Cunningham, the Star-Telegram’s Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, entered his senior year with high expectations.
He has been a staple in a North Crowley defense that is allowing 17 points per game. He flashes elite speed and tends to get to the ball quickly while showing relentless aggression and intensity while also being disciplined.
He has the ability to pass rush but can also cover receivers with ease.
Cunningham and the Panthers will look to continue their playoff run against Allen at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at Newsome Stadium. Both teams are undefeated, and the winner could potentially face reigning Class 6A D1 state champion Duncanville in the state semifinals.
Getting it done in the clutch
North Crowley and Cunningham tend to play their best football in the second half. The Panthers, in playoff games vs. Byron Nelson and Coppell, gave up 42 first-half points.
The unit has been terrific at making adjustments on the fly, and the stats make that evident. Cunningham and the Panthers have only given up three points in the second half of those games.
.jpg)