On Tuesday, Poplar Bluff senior linebacker Tanner Dunivan put pen to paper and signed his letter of intent to play football at Westminster College.
The three-year letterman was named All-Conference and All-Region in 2016 and 2017, along with an appearance in the Blue-Grey High School All-American Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Dunivan totaled 211 tackles, 6 ½ sacks, five forced fumbles and one interception during his Mules career.
He helped lead Poplar Bluff to a 9-0 regular season record in 2017. The team went on to lose a triple overtime contest in the District semifinals to the Jackson Indians.
The defining moment of his high school career came during the 2017 regular season.
"The Jackson game," Dunivan said. "We beat them for the first time in my career."
Poplar Bluff snuck out that 29-28 victory on Sept. 22 at home against the Indians.
Dunivan expressed excitement toward his collegiate career, however one thing from his high school days will always be etched in his mind.
"I'm going to miss Friday night (games) here, but hopefully I'm going to make up for it in college," he said.
Former Mules head coach Mark Barousse helped Dunivan gauge interest from Southeast Missouri State as well as other schools, but they quickly settled on Westminster. Westminster proved to be the optimal choice for Dunivan as it allows him the opportunity to contribute immediately and provides the chance for him to transfer to a larger school later in his career.
On his visit to the campus, Dunivan was pleased with its simplicity. He also caught a glimpse of construction on the Blue Jays' new stadium.
According to the Fulton Sun, the first phase of construction will be finished this fall and include a new scoreboard, lights and an artificial turf field. Completion for phase two is still unknown, however, it will contain bleachers, concessions, restrooms and a press box.
On Saturdays next season, Westminster will gain one of the Mules' vital defenders from last fall. Coach Barousse praised Dunivan's defensive acumen and knack for finding the football.
"He's got a great nose for getting to the ball and making tackles," Barousse said. His experience with wrestling helped his ability to control leverage and perform at a high level."
Regardless of where he plays or how often, Dunivan just wants to help contribute to the team's success.
"They're getting a player that's going to try his hardest," Dunivan noted. "I'm just going to help the team out in anyway the coach wants me to help."
He'll get the chance. Coming off of a 7-3 season, Westminster will be losing 19 seniors.
For Poplar Bluff, Dunivan's absence means a new leader will need to emerge in the locker room.
"In our defense, Tanner played the NFL equivalent of a nickelback," Barousse said. "It's a hard position to fill and do right, so someone will need to take that responsibility."
Dunivan isn't all that worried,
"I think now that Coach (David) Sievers is the new head coach, they'll work some new stuff in (the playbook) and find ways for it to work out."
Dunivan is currently undecided on his major.