By Pat Turner
SAN ANTONIO -- Josh Dunlop had an important decision to address during his junior year at Zionsville Community High School in Indiana.
During the previous years, Dunlop stood out on the offensive line but also displayed power in the paint while playing basketball. With the high school career winding down, it was time to choose one or the other.
After evaluating the pros and cons, football won out. Since deciding to go that route, rewards have followed for Dunlop, who has turned into a solid force on UTSA's O-line and one of the team's leaders.
"I was coming off knee surgery and was trying to decide whether I should play basketball or football," the 6-foot-7, 315-pound right tackle said. "I was doing both for the longest time. I felt football was best for me. I thought basketball was more stressful on my knee because you're constantly jumping. I talked to a few coaches and we decided to go football.
"I'm glad I did. Being on the O-line is hard. When I come off the field after a game I'm hobbling and getting my ice. But I'm right back out there, because of love for the game. I have been doing it for so long. I feel like if I woke up and didn't do anything for a week my body would start wondering what is going on and say, 'you need to be doing something."
Getting to this point took some doing.
College scouts weren't exactly smothering him with attention following his high school career. The best opportunity came at the junior college route where Dunlop signed with Dodge City Community College in Kansas. He went through a redshirt year as a freshman but broke into the starting lineup the next season and performed well enough to draw attention from UTSA.
Playing junior college football was a totally different atmosphere. The caliber of competition was solid but playing in front of large crowds was non-existent. Looking back, he believes that experience set the foundation for the future.
"When you're in high school, you're used to playing in front of big crowds," Dunlop said. "At Dodge City, it was like we were playing in front of parents and the bus driver. You're not playing before a huge fan base. You're playing for yourself, your teammates and family. When you go to JUCO, it kind of humbles you, but it allows you to focus on football. You have a mission to get better and move to the next level. I look at myself and realize it helped me. I improved on a lot of things."
Dunlop hit the jackpot at UTSA. In addition to being in a Division I atmosphere, he contributes regularly. Hints of his ability to make an impact surfaced at the beginning.
Dunlop's size and strength played a big part in the transition. However, support from teammates and coaches placed him on the right track.
"When I came here, they were in need of a left tackle and welcomed me with open arms," Dunlop said. "I remember coming out here to my first workout ever. It was right here on this goal line (on the practice field) and how welcoming they were. They were saying 'you're part of us now.'
"I have to give credit to the guys who were here when I first got here. They showed me the ropes and how to prepare. They talked to me about going to the meetings on time and how to take notes. That gave me a blueprint to improve and help train these younger guys coming in."
Dunlop has made strides each season. As a sophomore, he played in all 11 games on the left side, drawing starts in seven of those contests for an offense that rushed for 2.030 yards and passed for 2,231.
A year ago, Dunlop started all 12 games, working at right guard the first five contests, before moving to right tackle the remaining seven. This year, he's worked entirely at right tackle with pleasing results.
"You have to be locked into what you do," Dunlop said. "At this level you have to be consistent. Our line coach (Darrell Funk) tones in on what we need to work on each game. I pride myself on taking care of the little things. If you can handle the little things like technique and hand placement, that can propel you."
With Dunlop's collegiate career winding down, the Roadrunners are chasing bowl eligibility, with victories needed against Florida Atlantic on Saturday and at Louisiana Tech next weekend in Ruston.
When the football career ends, the communication major is looking at a career in broadcasting. Like being in the middle of the action on the field, Dunlop is not shy about being in front of the camera.
"I really like talking in front of a camera," Dunlop said. "I really like the news side. I keep up with current events. I started liking it in middle school and knew that's what I wanted to do."
Of course, there's still a possible chance to play professionally. That is an opportunity Dunlop intends to pursue.
Whatever happens, Dunlop will leave UTSA with a feeling of accomplishment.
"It has been a good ride," Dunlop said. "The connections are so good from day one to now. There are so many great people I have met here, not just friends and teammates, but coaches and professors. It's been a great atmosphere."
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