Photo provided by Raphael Dunn
Raphael Dunn is a safety who stands at 6 foot-4 and weighs 185 pounds. He currently has a 3.2 grade-point average.
We caught up with the Montreal native to talk about his high school career and his most recent year of football with the Lakeshore Cougars.
1. Between now and your senior year, what is your No. 1 goal?
My No. 1 goal between now and my senior year is to be rated as one of the top (defensive backs) in the country. I’d like to get my GPA to 3.8 or better. Keep adding to my strength and speed in the offseason.
2. If you had to compare your style to an NFL/college player, who would be the closest?
I have the size and athleticism and big-hit ability of Kam Chancellor. I just have to fill out my frame to get to 230 pounds like Kam. I have the ranginess of Benji St-Juste. He is a local legend here in Montreal.
3. What major/degree are you hoping to pursue in college?
Criminology or psychology.
4. Favorite football memory?
In the 2021 championship game, I hurt my ankle and was questionable to return. Knowing my team needed me, I returned in the second half but was in a lot of pain. My team was winning by four points in the fourth quarter.
The opponent drove the ball to our 5-yard-line. It was 4th-and-goal with 20 seconds left on the clock. I blitzed and got the ending sack. The sack sealed the victory. The fact that I am a DB and don’t blitz that often made it even more special.
5. Have you visited any college camp yet?
I have not visited any college camps yet.
6. Do you plan on going to any camps next summer?
Absolutely. I would like to go as many as possible. I am hoping to get a few invites. I think exposure like these articles will definitely help, so thank you! I’d like to go to Rivals, Nike, and a few camps to work on my craft as well.
7. How has COVID-19 affected your football career?
I was lucky in that I was able to play five games in 2020 before the season was shut down. The border being closed really hurt because I was not able to attend any camps.
8. Do you plan on enrolling early when it is time to attend college?
Yes, if I have an offer from a school that I think is the right fit for me football-wise, as well as academically. If the fit isn’t right, I won’t mind using all of my high school eligibility.
9. Obviously, the NFL is the ultimate goal; besides that, what do you want to do post-college career?
Get a career in my field of study — possibly as a criminal analyst, or psychologist.
10. What is a fact about you that most do not know?
I love playing chess. I am chess nerd. My goal is to get a 1,000 level. I am currently at 800.
11. Who was your role model growing up?
My role model growing up would have to be my dad. I would say it’s him, because he has always been there for me. He has helped me be the football player I am today.
12. What is your favorite drill to do in practice?
My favorite drill to do in practice is a tie between Oklahoma and 1-vs.-1.
13. What is your favorite meal?
My favorite meal is either Sushi or pizza.
14. What are some of your hobbies besides football?
My hobbies are chess, for sure.
15. What is one thing you love about your hometown?
A meal called Poutine. It’s a Quebec dish that involves French fries, cheese, and gravy.
16. Do your parents care where you go to school, meaning do they mind you being far from home to achieve your dream?
My parents are super supportive. I think they would like to have me close by — at least on the East Coast — just because they love watching me play. But they would support my decision to move anywhere.
Stats/Other Information
Thoughts: I think my size at 6-4 and 185 pounds is a huge part of my success. I can match up with tight ends and bigger wide receivers.
2021 Stats: 61 tackles (led his league), three sacks, three interceptions, eight pass breakups.
Accolades: 2019 and 2021 Defensive Player of the Year, 2020 Defensive Player of the Year runner-up.
Twitter: @Raphaelball9.
