Adam Finkelstein of the Sun Sentinel said that Miami safety Zechariah Poyser thinks freshman defensive back J.J. Dunnigan may be the fastest player on the team. Per his 247Sports profile, Dunnigan ran "a 10.94 in the 100-meter dash in May of 2024."
Andrew Ivins, the 247Sports Director of Scouting, said Dunnigan is an "imposing defensive back with impressive play speed and a projectable frame that fits the mold of a modern boundary safety, but might also be worth a look at cornerback."
Playing for Manhattan, Kansas high school, Dunnigan had 151 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, four interceptions, 15 passes defended, three forced fumbles and one recovered. At 6'2 and 185 pounds, Dunnigan has ideal length and size at CB or safety.
Dunnigan is the 114th prospect, 12th safety and second player from Kansas in the 2026 class per the 247Sports composite rankings. Miami signed Dunnigan in the 2026 class after he de-committed from Kansas on October 27, 2025, per 247Sports.
Hurricanes safety Zechariah Poyser said he thinks freshman DB JJ Dunnigan may be the fastest player on the team.
— Adam Lichtenstein (@ABLichtenstein) March 24, 2026
J.J. Dunnigan quickly shows that he has speed to burn
Poyser provided more accolades for Dunnigan beyond his speed. Dunnigan and fellow safety Cortez Redding are students of the game and that is pretty impressive per Poyser. Poyser also called Dunnigan a freak athlete.
Poyser is projected to be a starting safety for Miami with Boston College transfer Omar Thornton. O.J. Frederique and Ethan O'Connor are the projected starting CBs for Miami, with Bryce Fitzgerland coming off an exceptional freshman season as the nickelback.
Dunnigan is currently projected as the backup to Poyer. Mario Cristobal has shown a willingness to play freshmen throughout his Miami tenure. Fitzgerald in 2025 and Frederique in 2024 both played critical roles as freshmen. Miami has a good mix of freshmen, returnees and transfer defensive backs entering 2026.
Safeties coach Will Harris was the primary recruiter for Dunnigan. The return of Harris and defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman provides Dunnigan with the continuity he experienced during his recruitment. Entering spring practice, Dunnigan could be ready to make an impact for Miami in 2026.