I can't count how many times I've been asked about Aaron Dunn over the past two years, and the answer has always been the same: He's around, but that's about the extent of it. Dunn redshirted his freshman year after breaking his wrist and never really got going last season. He was behind Andrei Lintz on the depth chart, and the tight end position was rarely used in Todd Sturdy's offense anyway.
So it doesn't come as a huge surprise to see that Dunn will now transfer. The news comes from Christian Caple, who was out at practice on Thursday.
Mike Leach said TE Aaron Dunn will transfer from WSU.
— Christian Caple (@ChristianCaple) March 30, 2012
After watching a bit of spring ball, I'm just not all that surprised. Not only was Lintz way ahead of the pack, but it appeared Mansel Simmons was on track to be the backup. The two fit the mold of an athletic, sort of x-factor Leach has been raving about, and it felt like Dunn was the odd man out.
There's two noteworthy parts to this. The first is Dunn's release will free up another scholarship as WSU inches towards the 85-man limit -- the team will need to be down to that number by the beginning of fall camp. I'm not sure where they're at now, but perhaps our research guru (hi Mark!) can check.
It's also a bit sad to see Dunn go. He was highly touted coming in, and everyone was excited to see the four-star tight end from Spokane light it up on the field. It never happened, and it won't happen -- at least not here.
Best of luck to Dunn, wherever he goes. It'll be interesting to see how he does if he's able to find the right fit.