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J’Arthur Dunn took the next step in his life on Friday. The LaGrange High senior signed to play football at Shorter University starting in the fall. 

“I took a visit to the school and knew right away,” J’Arthur said. “The coaches welcomed me with open arms. They made me feel like I was at home.”

It has not been the easiest journey for J’Arthur who lost his mother at a young age. J’Arthur never let that affect his outlook on life and his winning smile. J’Arthur’s father Kevin Dunn was there for him every step of the journey and he knows he would not be the young man he is without having his father as a support system.

“Seeing how he reacted and handled certain situations gave me strength,” J’Arthur said. “When my mom passed away, he was everything I had. I’ve looked up to him the whole way. He was the one who really lifted the family up.”

J’Arthur said in his speech that his family runs deep. For J’Arthur this had a dual meaning. Yes, it means he has a large family, but it also means that his family has had his back through the highs and lows he has faced in his young life. 

J’Arthur always found a way to persevere when faced with obstacles. He made a big impact on the Grangers in his senior season, opening up lanes for the running game and catching eight passes for 13 yards and two touchdowns. He was a big part of the tight end room for LaGrange and offered them some versatility. Despite his big impact, J’Arthur found the recruiting process to be a challenge.

“It was a constant process,” J’Arthur said. “Coaches would call you and tell you that they want you and then a couple days later they would change their minds. It was very tedious but I was patient and found the right fit.” 

What stuck out about Shorter was how committed they were to him from the day they first got into contact. That mutual interest paid off and J’Arthur was ecstatic to finally make his decision official.

“It feels amazing,” J’Arthur said. “It really is an amazing feeling. I’m feeling blessed.” 

J’Arthur has done it all for the Grangers during his four years at the school. He is also a key member of the basketball team and the track and field squad — both seasons which have not yet wrapped. 

J’Arthur’s time with the track and field team and as a member of the tight end room has led him to develop a strong bond with Thomas Cox who coached him in both sports. 

“I’ve been coaching her for 28 years and (J’Arthur) is one of the most outstanding people I’ve coached,” Cox said. “He has all the intangibles.”

Grangers are a family and J’Arthur knows when he graduates and moves on that the Grangers will be family for life. 

“The culture is family,” J’Arthur said. “I’m so grateful to be a part of it.”