Less drama, more work: the rise of Asher Cunningham amidst linebacker injuries

In the wake of losing both Harrison Taggart and Chris Joe to injuries, Utah State University’s football linebacker room was in need of a new face to step up and fill the void in their unit. One of those players who has stepped up throughout the season is linebacker Asher Cunningham, who has emerged as not only an anchor on defense on the field, but a leader for the defense off it as well.

A North Carolina native, Cunningham grew up in a household full of athletes, with his father playing baseball at Appalachian State University, one of his brothers playing football at Maine Maritime Academy, and his other brother playing soccer at the University of Louisville.

For Cunningham, his football journey was one that began later than many of his teammates, as he only began to focus on the sport in his later years of high school, focusing on other sports as a young athlete.

“I was primarily a basketball player, and I kind of fell in love with football my junior year of high school. I was playing basketball up until that time, and I didn’t think I was going to play football in college,” Cunningham said. “Then I realized that I love the sport, and I enjoy playing it, so around junior year, I started playing football. I found a love for it and just took that with me going forward.”

In high school, Cunningham received all-conference honors in football, basketball, and track and field. In football, he was named a team captain in his junior and senior years. Cunningham not only racked up over 100 tackles, but also ran for over 500 yards and ten touchdowns as a sophomore, as well as adding 11 more touchdowns as a junior and senior.

Receiving multiple offers to play football at the collegiate level, Cunningham committed to play football at Elon University in North Carolina. His time with the Phoenix would be the most transformative part of his career.

“Redshirting as a freshman was kind of an eye-opening thing for me. From being the guy in high school on your football team and then going and not playing a single game freshman year kind of wakes you up, lets you know how college football really is,” Cunningham said. “Staying down till you come up is the main motto that I got from Elon. That’s the main thing I like to go by. It’s going to get better. Just stay patient and wait your turn, and eventually it will come. I’m carrying that with me here.”

In his second and third seasons at Elon, Cunningham finally carved out his role with the Phoenix, earning third-team All-CAA honors in 2025 in a campaign where he had over 80 tackles and five sacks. After the season, Cunningham sought a change and headed out west to join the Aggies. 

The change posed a unique challenge for Cunningham, who spent the offseason trying to find his role within his new school.

“In the wintertime, I feel like I didn’t really belong here at the time because I didn’t understand the plays and I was behind and I was low on the depth chart,” Cunningham said. “I had a good fall camp, and now I just carry that with me into the season.”

Cunningham, along with the rest of the USU defense, has strived to create a team-oriented mindset within their unit, pushing each player to fulfill their 1 out of 11 role on the defense.

“Less drama, more work. It’s a thing we’ve been saying lately here. Don’t get your emotions into practice or how you play. Do your 1/11th at a high level, and just put your body out there and just make these sacrifices like you need to do,” Cunningham said. “It’s the life you chose. Football is the path you chose, so do your job at a high level and less drama, and it’ll work out.”

As the season has progressed, the injuries within the linebacker room have racked up, forcing everyone to step up and fill the holes left by injuries. For Cunningham, this increased role has given him an opportunity to flourish this season. 

Since losing Joe and Taggart, Cunningham has led the team in tackles in multiple games, including a 17-tackle game against Washington State University, which included two forced fumbles to set up the Aggie victory.

“Someone has to make a play. If someone has to do it, I feel like that’s going to have to be me,” Cunningham said. “I just have a see-ball, get-ball mentality, you know, sniffing out a play, knowing that we need it in certain situations that we’re put in. I try to just do my job at a high level, and then I make the play by just doing my job.” 

Cunningham’s standout production has not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff and his teammates.

“Honestly, we’ve all seen it coming, especially during fall camp and as he was coming into this program,” senior safety Brevin Hamblin said. “Everyone knew he was an amazing athlete, and he had this level of talent in him, and it’s just cool to see it emerging and coming out in the games and producing for our team.”

The impact Cunningham has made on the team extends beyond the field, as he has developed a relationship that has helped him be a focal point within the team.

“He’s just a really good kid. He’s fun to be around. He tries hard. He cares about football, great personality. He’s fun. When you come in as a transfer player, it’s like being a freshman,” defensive coordinator and safeties coach Nick Howell said. “I think he’s getting more comfortable with what we’re doing, and just I see that he’s really comfortable with the guys. His confidence is increasing. He’s learning what he’s doing, and the longer he plays here, the better he’s going to get.”

Cunningham’s confidence within the team has allowed him to become a vocal leader within the team, which has been his own personal goal since arriving in Logan. With the loss of Taggart, Cunningham has found an opportunity to move into that leadership role.

“Harry was a big impact player for us. He was a team captain for us, and he was team captain for a reason. A voice and a leader needed to step up. Stepping up and being that leader and being more vocal is something I’m trying to work on even more,” Cunningham said. “Being a leader, making plays at a high level, and just communicating with the whole defense and the whole team in general. Trying to keep us as one has been a big focus since losing [Taggart].”

While the team may not be surprised by the rise of Cunningham, he has certainly made his impact known on the field. Cunningham won Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week following the Washington State win and hopes to continue improving as the season goes on.