Lance Dunbar put up huge numbers during his career at UNT. He ran over Kansas State for 270 yards as a junior, when he posted 1,553 yards on the season. In the final game of his career, he rushed for 313 yards and four touchdowns against Middle Tennessee.
I could go on and on.
I’m not saying that none of that matters, but Dunbar’s future could be affected in a big way by what he runs in the 40 tomorrow at UNT’s pro day.
There was a time a few months ago when some websites had Dunbar ranked among the top running back prospects in the draft. His stock seems to have fallen since. He played behind an inexperienced offensive line and with a new quarterback as a senior. He also essentially missed an entire game due to injury.
There were times he had a big stage last season, including the Mean Green’s game at Alabama. He rushed for 16 yards on 17 carries.
Dunbar had five 100-yard games, but they came against Indiana, Florida Atlantic, Louisiana-Monroe MTSU and Tulsa.
Throw in the fact that Dunbar isn’t the biggest back out there at 5-9 and about 205 and it was enough to keep him out of the combine.
Dan McCarney has said all along that he believes Dunbar can play in the NFL. Anyone who saw him play against Kansas State likely has the same opinion.
He will get a chance, either as a late-round draft pick or as an undrafted free agent — the route Patrick Cobbs went.
It would certainly help Dunbar’s cause if he can put up a good time tomorrow, though.
That’s the tough part of the situation Dunbar is in. He’s done so much to establish himself as a great college player and an NFL prospect.
What he does tomorrow could be even more important.