UCF’s Dunnam, coming off 3-interception game, eyes repeat performance at Texas Tech
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Back in spring camp, every time a football was thrown in his direction, it would seem that UCF safety Phil Dunnam would come away with an interception.
It was uncanny and it made defensive coordinator Alex Grinch a bit nervous.
“It’s like hitting a lot of home runs in batting practice where you would like to save some for the game-type of thing,” said Grinch.
Dunnam, a Miami native who joined the team in the offseason from FAU, has emerged as a key contributor in the Knights’ secondary. According to Pro Football Focus, he’s currently graded as the second-best safety in the Big 12, trailing only Arizona’s Dalton Johnson.
Yet, Dunnam didn’t have an interception through the first eight games, but that changed on Friday night against Houston when he recorded a program-best three in the 30-27 loss to the Cougars.
The first interception stood out as a remarkable moment as Dunnam returned it 43 yards for a pick-6. It was his first interception for a touchdown in his career.
“When I got to the end zone. I’m really just soaking it all in,” Dunnam recalled of the moment. “That’s why you saw me put my hands out, just soaking it all in. It was a great feeling. After I got my second one, I was a little surprised because that’s never happened to me, but when I got that third one, it felt great.”
Dunnam’s three-interception performance isn’t the first time that Grinch has had a player pull off a hat trick. While serving as defensive backs coach at Wyoming in 2009, he witnessed safety Shamiel Gary record three interceptions against Weber State on Sept. 5.
“I wish I could say it was commonplace, but a lot of times those things are tips or very unique plays,” said Grinch. “They don’t happen very often. In Phil’s case, it was about making a play. I wouldn’t attach any luck to those things, which is really cool.”
The challenge this week is a tough road game at No. 6 Texas Tech (9-1, 6-1 Big 12) on Saturday.
The Red Raiders are ranked in the top 10 in several offensive categories, including scoring (42 points per game) and total offense (477.2 yards per game); and are ranked in the top 30 in rushing (193 ypg) and passing (286.9 ypg).
Dunnam hopes to carry over the momentum from Friday’s performance into the weekend.
“After the game on Friday, I was already looking at this week,” said Dunnam. “I’m trying to do it again. I’m trying to help this team in multiple ways as I can to get a win.”
Please find me on X, Bluesky or Instagram @osmattmurschel. Email: mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com. Sign up for the Sentinel’s Knights Weekly newsletter for a roundup of all our UCF coverage.
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