Christopher Dunn signs with Los Angeles Rams
Former NC State kicker Christopher Dunn did not hear his name called in the NFL Draft. Instead, he became a priority free agent signing for the Los Angeles Rams, per NFL Draft Diamonds. The 2022 consensus All-American is the Wolfpack and the ACC’s all-time leading scorer, and now his NFL career begins.
Dunn put together five impressive seasons with NC State, but last season’s Lou Groza award-winning year topped them all.
He hit 28 of 29 field goal attempts during in 2022, including 2 from more than 50 yards, and hit all 30 of his extra points to rack up 114 total points. During a dramatic win over North Carolina that included 1 made field goal in regulation and 2 more in overtime, including the winning kick, Dunn broke the all-time ACC scoring record.
The Athletic, CBS Sports, ESPN the American Football Coaches Association and the Associated Press have all also recognized Dunn as a unanimous All-American. He also won the Lou Groza Award, an honor handed out each fall to the top placekicker in the nation. The ACC also honored Dunn after his final season, naming him to the all-conference first team.
“I’m so proud of Chris for all of his accomplishments and am so happy that he was recognized nationally with the Groza Award,” NC State football head coach Dave Doeren said in a press release after the award was announced. “Nobody has worked harder than he has.
“He’s overcome a lot of obstacles – on and off the field – but his dedication, persistence and faith have helped him become the remarkable person and kicker that he is today. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him.”
After helping NC State leave Chapel Hill with a win in November, the graduate student picked up ACC Specialist of the Week honors for the second time this season. He won it the first time after hitting 4 field goals, including the game winner, during the Wolfpack’s win over Florida State.
During the NFL Combine, the kicker hit all 15 of his field goals. He was the attendee to convert all of his attempts. He played on a different level in 2022 and elaborated on his mindset after NC State’s win over the Seminoles.
“I feel like I’m getting in my zone this year a lot more than I have in the past,” Dunn said. “I feel like it’s just about getting to a spot where you feel comfortable and confident in yourself and being able to go out there each rep, whether it’s an extra point, a 50, and just getting in that same mindset that you’re gonna make the kick straight down the middle.”
