2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jake Dunniway, QB, Sacramento State

• Name: Jake Dunniway
• Position: Quarterback
• Height: 6’1″
• Weight: 205 lbs
• School: California State University, Sacramento
• Level: Division I FCS – Big Sky Conference
• Twitter: jdunni12
• Instagram: jdunni7

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?

I have a degree in Health Science. I got several credits from junior college and I’ve always had an interest in science. Bounced around in certain fields before I settled on health – thought about being an orthopedic surgeon. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

Leadership and football IQ – being a quarterback comes with a lot of responsibility. I also pride myself in knowing what the defense is going to do, which comes from film study. “Work smarter, not harder.” Preparation is also key in my game. 

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

Right now we have a pretty balanced spread offense. A lot of 11 and 12 personnel. We are also unique because we have a two-QB system and sometimes run the wildcat. I was still the starter last year and it will be the same this year. I have a lot of trust and belief in the coaching staff and they feel the same way about them. I manage the game in the best way that I can. 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

Troy Anderson, LB, Montana State

Justin Ford, CB, Montana 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Pierre Williams, WR, FCS All-American 

Marcus Fulcher and Cameron Skattebo, two young running backs

Marshel Martin, TE, former running back in high school 

What makes you different from others at your position? 

My approach to the game is more mental than physical. Perseverance is big for me. I don’t play for individual stats either, I play for the guys around me instead.  

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

I broke my ankle in high school and didn’t know if I was going to be the same after that – went on to have a great senior year with 4,000 passing yards and 50 touchdowns.

In JUCO I wasn’t the starter right away because the coaches didn’t think I was ready – had some doubt but went on to have another great season once I won the job.  

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

I played many sports when I was young but baseball really stood out – I miss it a lot. At one point I joined a rec league and played on weekends. Wrestling is also under consideration. 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

I’m proud of all of the team success I’ve been apart of over the years – I have been to a few state and conference championships. “Winning culture.” 

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

First start against Northern Arizona in 2019 – I had 300+ passing yards and 4 touchdowns against a conference opponent. It was also a must-win game and I had to replace an injured guy ahead of me. Down by 10 with less than 2 minutes in the game, we pulled off the comeback with a successful onside kick attempt and I threw the game-winner to Pierre Williams. 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

Favorite player: Tom Brady – I have always been a Patriots fan so growing up around him inspired me. I also respect and look up to Josh Allen and Joe Burrow. 

What gets you “pumped up” before a game?

I honestly try to be very calm before games – I don’t want to play with too much emotion or play outside of myself. 

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?

I played guitar hero when I was young and I think I’m still pretty good.

Very family-oriented so I spend a lot of time with them. 

A big passion of mine is playing poker – it’s more mental than a lot of people would imagine. 

Wakeboarding and cooking are other hobbies. 

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?

Football brings a lot to me as a person and allows me to better myself. I have developed a great work ethic thanks to the game. There are also a lot of real-world applicants. 

I continue to play this game for other people – I want to see my teammates win. 

My family and especially my dad are important – it was my dad’s first love and he taught me a lot of what I know about the game. I am making them proud every day. 

What do you want NFL teams to know about you? 

I have always been overlooked my entire life. I truly believe I can be one of those “under the radar” guys that the media doesn’t often look at. I don’t need that though – I pride myself in establishing a winning culture and that’s what matters most to me. Love in all aspects of the game is also important. 

Other notes: 

Walk-on at UC Davis. Ended up leaving because my dad came down with a rare eye condition. Eventually he became blind. Ended up at JUCO in San Diego while some of that was happening – not in the best place at the time. Started off slow. Got the offer from Sac State after we turned the JUCO program around in one season.