De La Salle linebacker Drew Cunningham commits to Stanford

Hard-hitting, instinctive defensive standout says Stanford 'has everything.'

De La Salle senior Drew Cunningham doesn't take his time on the football field. He's instinctive. Hard-charging. And direct. 

So the hard-hitting linebacker not signing along with 90 percent of top California prospects during the early period last week wasn't in his nature. 

But the 6-foot-3, 230-pound standout waited out his top choice until he got the offer he sought and on Tuesday he committed to Stanford and coach Troy Taylor and his staff.

🌲COMMITTED 🌲

Thank you to all my coaches, teammates and family for your support. GO CARD!@TroyTaylorStanU @CoachPehrson @CoachAprilOLB @CoachDOnofrio @Fredguidici @jak_rtz @KTPrepElite @bst_elite @dlsfootball17 pic.twitter.com/UEtJ3l34Qq

— Drew Cunningham (@DrewCunningham5) December 26, 2023

The Spartans' top tackler and undisputed leader led his team to North Coast Section and CIF State Regional 1-AA titles in 2023.  

Cunningham will join a Stanford class that includes Mater Dei quarterback Elijah Brown, Santa Margarita receiver Emmett Mosley and 4-star defensive lineman Benedict Umeh, of Avon Old Farms (Conn.).  

"Stanford just seemed like the perfect fit and it has everything," Cunningham texted SBLive Sports. "The education and network that comes with it is unmatched and I know that the coaching staff there is going to hold their players to the highest standard. I'm excited to get there with the amazing recruiting class that we have and make an impact as soon as possible." 

Said De La Salle coach Justin Alumbaugh: "He's a perfect fit for Stanford — very high character, great intelligent football player, awesome leader. It really is a perfect match." 

Drew Cunningham (18) and Chris Biller (51) celebrate 41-0 win over Clovis North in the CIF Division 1-AA championship game on Dec. 1.  / Photo: Dennis Lee