7
2011 Raphael Dunson
Defensive Back
5’9″ 165
High School Coach: Brian Obrycki
High School: Taylor Kennedy, A
College: Sienna Heights University
Raphael Dunson is the son of Sherrye Telfair and Demetrius Dunson. He has an older brother Vito (22) and a younger brother Don and a sister Queenaria.
Growing up, Raphael lived football, always wanted to play but never got the chance outside of street football due to his size. At the start of ninth grade Raphael began to showcase his athletic ability on both offense and defense. On offense Raphael played slot, quarterback, and running back and on defense he played both corner and safety leading the team with 16 interceptions and 5 returned for touchdowns. Sophomore year Raphael moved up to varsity and started as quarterback. Raphael was a three-year varsity letter winner and a three-year First Team All Downriver Conference winner. Raphael’s senior year was really his breakout year, he earned All Downriver 1st Team, All Downriver Dream Team 1st team, All Metro West 1st Team, Metro West Dream Team, and All State Honorable Mention.
Raphael also played basketball. He was a varsity starting point guard for two and a half years. In 2010 Raphael led his team to league, district, and regional championships. Raphael received honorable mention for the Downriver League in 2010.
Raphael gave thanks to his parents, ” for always supporting me and giving me the tools I need to succeed,” to the Kennedy high administration, for their support and for the education they provided me.” He thanked his high school coaches, “for always putting me in position to excel and lead and for letting me play and showing me the meaning of team work.” He thanked friends and teammates,”for always having my back and battling with me on and off the field. I will never forget the laughs and the cries, spaghetti dinners and all that good stuff. I love you all”. Lastly, a special thanks was given to his older brother Vito, “for opening up doors and putting the ball in my hand. For all the pregame pep talks and assuring me that no matter what obstacle we faced on the field or court that we would always be a family. My brother was also the only other Kennedy player to make it to this game (2006). Brother, I love you and look up to you always.”
Awards
All Downriver, 2008, 2009, 2010
All Downriver Dream Team, 2010
All Metro West, 2010
All Metro West Dream Team, 2010
Honorable Mention, 2010