Manhattan High football’s JJ Dunnigan was named as the 2024-25 VYPE Kansas Football Player of the Year, recognizing his outstanding performance during a championship season.
A dynamic two-way standout, Dunnigan was instrumental in leading Manhattan to the Class 6A state championship, showcasing elite athleticism and versatility in all phases of the game.
“JJ was a phenomenal player for us,” MHS head coach Joe Schartz said. “He was able to win matchups offensively and defensively. His speed, athleticism, and physical development allowed us to use him in multiple roles and create different looks on defense.”
In the Class 6A title game, Dunnigan delivered a dominant performance as Manhattan defeated Olathe Northwest 27-0. Defensively, he recorded nine tackles. Offensively, he caught three passes for 111 yards, including touchdown receptions of 68 and 50 yards — one just before halftime and another on the opening play of the third quarter.
Over his junior and senior seasons, Dunnigan totaled 1,010 receiving yards with a 21.5 yards-per-catch average and 14 touchdowns. Defensively, he compiled 151 tackles, eight tackles for loss, four interceptions, and 15 pass breakups. On special teams, he returned three punts and three kickoffs for touchdowns and averaged 40 yards per return.
Dunnigan has enrolled early at the University of Miami and will now look to help the Hurricanes return to national championship contention in the College Football Playoff era.