Tommy Duniven Explained

Tommy Duniven
Number:11
Position:Quarterback
Birth Date:20 May 1954
Birth Place:Pampa, Texas, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:3
Weight Lbs:210
High School:McLean
(McLean, Texas)
College:Texas Tech
Draftyear:1977
Draftround:6
Draftpick:160
Pastteams:
Pfr:D/DuniTo20

James Thomas Duniven (born May 20, 1954) is a former quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Texas Tech.

Early life and high school

Duniven was born in Pampa, Texas and grew up in McLean, Texas. He attended McLean High School, where he earned 13 varsity letters.[1] Duniven had hoped to play college football at Texas, but was not recruited by coach Darrell Royal because he was not a wishbone quarterback. He was heavily recruited by Nebraska head coach Tom Osborne, but Duniven did not want to play far from his hometown and signed to play at Texas Tech after considering offers from Oklahoma State and West Texas A&M, where his older brother was player.[2]

College career

Duniven played college football at Texas Tech University and was a member of the Red Raiders for five seasons, redshirting his freshman year.[3] He became the team's starter at quarterback as a redshirt sophomore and led the team in passing with 552 yards and was named the National Back of the Week by the Associated Press after passing for three touchdowns in a 26–3 upset win over Texas. His season was cut short by a back injury.[4] [5] As a junior, Duniven was the Red Raiders leading passer with 72 of 125 passes completed for 1,038 yards with five touchdown passes and six interceptions.[6] As a senior Duniven suffered a season-ending knee injury against Texas A&M.<ref>Web site: A REAL LULU IN LUBBOCK. Ron. Reid. Sports Illustrated. November 8, 1977. May 30, 2020. [7]

Professional career

Duniven was selected in the sixth round of the 1977 NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.[8] He was waived by the Bengals at the end of training camp and was later signed by the Houston Oilers.[9] Duniven played in a single game for the Oilers during the 1977 season.[10] Duniven was released by the Oilers at the end of training camp the following season.[11]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Wogs open season here tonight. The Daily Skiff. September 28, 1972. May 30, 2020.
  2. Web site: Putting Around. Putt. Powell. Amarillo Globe-Times. October 2, 1974. February 16, 2022. NewspaperArchive.
  3. Web site: SCOUTING REPORTS. Sports Illustrated. September 9, 1974. May 30, 2020.
  4. Web site: DARRELL HAS AN UPSETTING EXPERIENCE, TOO. Larry. Keith. Sports Illustrated. October 7, 1974. May 30, 2020.
  5. Web site: In both backfields Raiders experienced. The Daily O'Collegian. September 13, 1975. May 30, 2020.
  6. Book: The USA TODAY College Football Encyclopedia 2008-2009: A Comprehensive Modern Reference to America's Most Colorful Sport, 1953-Present. Bob. Boyles. Paul. Guido. Skyhorse. 909. August 4, 2008. 9781602393318. May 30, 2020.
  7. Web site: Texas Tech Turns Back The Aggies. The New York Times. October 10, 1976. May 30, 2020.
  8. Web site: Pro Transactions. The New York Times. June 2, 1977. May 30, 2020.
  9. Web site: Pro Transactions. The New York Times. September 14, 1977. May 30, 2020.
  10. Web site: What is the Cincinnati Bengals' NFL Draft history at quarterback?. Barry. Werner. Touchdown Wire. 4. USA Today. March 4, 2020. May 30, 2020.
  11. News: Plunkett Free. The Washington Post. August 30, 1978. May 30, 2020.