Gunnar Gustafson '21 Recruiting Profile

I am a Junior at a small college prep school in rural Virginia.  I want to find a college that is a good fit for me academically, athletically and socially.  I am very interested in playing football for a school where I can learn to be a better player physically and mentally and contribute on the field and as a leader school-wide.  

I am taking four dual-enrollment college level classes the year and really enjoy English, marine science and particularly history.  Last year I took Advanced Placement World History and it really sparked my interest in history as a possible major.  In my spare time I enjoy hunting and fishing, hanging out with my friends and volunteering with developmentally disabled children and adults in the community.  I am getting Bs in all my classes right now.

Our football team had a tough year in 2019 finishing 3-6.  I gained over 2,500 all-purpose yards, over 1,500 yards from scrimmage (979 rushing -- 108 per game -- and 592 receiving) and scored 25 touchdowns (15 rushing, 7 receiving, 2 kick returns and a 105 yard interception return).  I averaged 34.0 yards per kick return on 22 returns.  

I love carrying the ball, but I also like playing slot receiver and think that may be my best position (I averaged over 31 yards per reception).  I also play starting corner back/safety -- I pretty much never leave the field during games -- so conditioning is critical to my game.  I was named All-State First Team for the third year in a row (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior) and All-Conference First Team as both a running back and defensive back.  I consider myself an All-Purpose Running Back, but maybe the designation "ATH" is more accurate given my kick and punt return success and recognition as a defensive back.  I have only run the 40 twice and my best time is 4.50.

I know I may not be a traditional recruit because I live in a remote area that does not get much attention from colleges.  I also have not had the opportunity to focus my play and build stats in one position, but once I do I think I have the potential to contribute at a college-level at any position (except the O and D lines).  I am also working with a trainer who specialized in speed (Parisi Speed School) concentrating on weight lifting coupled with increased agility.  I plan to play at 175 pounds senior year (5'9"), but be to be faster than ever.

I spent three weeks at IMG Academy in Sarasota, Florida last summer (and one week the previous summer) honing my running back skills with the best coaches imaginable (special thank you to coach Mike Sellers, Pro Bowl Full Back for the Washington Redskins).  The most important things I have learned is how to cut, how to protect the ball without compromising speed and how to extend a run after contact with defenders.  I plan to go back to IMG Academy again this summer in preparation for a breakout senior year.

I am also two-time state champion in pole vault (freshman and sophomore year), placed 8th in the state in the 100 meter dash as a sophomore and placed 2nd in state in the 300 hurdles as a freshman.   This year I am going to focus on pole vaulting, long jump and try to break the 100 meter school record (I am 0.17 seconds away!).  

I would appreciate you considering me for your team.  I will work hard, listen and learn, be a good teammate and do my very best to make you glad you gave me an opportunity.