A Look at Wagoner's Prince McJunkins

Originally Published: Dec 2, 2010 4:35 PM CDT

Dave Davis
Oklahoma Sports Mobile Journalist

WAGONER, Oklahoma -- Several years ago, when Prince McJunkins III first came to Wagoner, he was given a nickname.

"When I first moved to Wagoner, people called me 'Princess' and crazy names like that", says McJunkins. "But now they call me 'King' and 'The Prince' and stuff like that."

So why the change?

He’s been the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback forthree years now, and, this season, has led Wagoner to only their third state title game berth in school history.

Bulldog head coach Dale Condict describes what it’s like coaching Prince.

“It’s easy. It’s easy to coach Prince. He’s a team player with great ability. He’s a student of the game; he’s worked extremely hard and the results are evident.”

This season, McJunkins’ numbers have been staggering. He has over 1,900 yards passing, more than 500 yards rushing, and 45 total touchdowns.

“My [offensive] line . . . I have to give it up to my line, because without those guys I couldn’t do the things that I do now. They’re my best friends . . . everything to me. So, really, I wouldn’t trade nobody for the group of guys I’ve got.”

His father, Prince McJunkins II, was a college standout at Wichita State (although WSU no longer has a football program). As the Shockers’ quarterback, he became the first player in NCAA history to rush for 2,000 yards and pass for 4,000 yards in a career.

“Everybody who I’ve talked to has said, ‘Oh, you’re just like your dad . . . you can run like him, you can throw like him”, McJunkins says. “He’s a great player but I’m trying to be . . . way better than him.”

He then cracks a smile and whispers, “But you ain’t got to tell him that though.”

McJunkins says the following college are currently recruiting him: Missouri, Missouri State, Lousiana-Monroe, Wyoming, and New Mexico State. McJunkins also states that he is not leaning towards any college right now, and will not make his decision until January.

“I’m solely focused on the Wagoner Bulldogs right now”, McJunkins adds.