TOWSON, Md. – Dennis Tunstall has a purpose in every move he makes.
 
The gifted Towson University redshirt senior forward doesn't have time for any wasted energy. That explains why each cut is precise and each defensive movement matters. And why Tunstall is on the floor in practice for loose balls.
 
This is his final year as a Tiger and he wants to finish his career with a flourish. Forget the individual accolades. They'll matter later when he reviews his scrapbook or swaps stories with friends and family 20 years from now.
 
With an intensity driven by urgency, Tunstall and the Tigers have one focus as the 2019-20 season dawns: Playing in the NCAA tournament. Tunstall is one of the leaders of a veteran Towson team that returns 10 players from last season.
 
Tunstall is also one of four seniors along with Tobias Howard, Nakye Sanders and Brian Fobbs that will be counted on to provide leadership. The 6 foot, 9 inch sport management major is excited about the opportunity to impact the Tigers in a myriad of ways this year.
 
"The key to make this happen is for everyone on the roster to be all in," Tunstall said. "If we continue to get better each and every day in practice, and everyone stays the course, I feel as though we can accomplish our goals. As a leader, I have to lead by example and hold each and everyone accountable for their actions in order to complete the mission."
 
Competing with business-like efficiency, Tunstall enjoyed a breakout performance that earned him recognition on the All-CAA Defensive Team last season. He played in every game last season and started Towson's final 27 games. Tunstall led Towson in rebounding (7.7), blocked shots (1.0) and field goal percentage (55.4). Overall, in the CAA, he was third in blocked shots, offensive rebounds per game (2.9), ninth in rebounding and 11th in defensive rebounds per game (4.8).
 
A relentless rebounder, expert shotblocker and defensive force, Tunstall has been a fixture in the Tigers lineup since making his debut against George Mason in 2016. Tunstall has played in 93 career contests for the Tigers. He has registered at least one blocked shot in 46 games.
 
"I have noticed that I've grown both mentally and physically as a player," Tunstall said. "I have become more of a leader both on and off the court, and I have developed my body tremendously as well since I was a freshman."
 
Tunstall, who has explosive ability mixed with incredible balance and coordination, produced one of the best memories of last season when he snatched a career-best 21 rebounds against Delaware to establish a SECU Arena rebounding record, passing 2014 CAA Player Of The Year Jerelle Benimon's previous mark of 18 established against Delaware on Feb. 17, 2014.
 
Tunstall became the ninth Tiger in program history to grab at least 20 rebounds in a single game and first since 2012. The 21 rebounds were tied for the fifth-most in a single game in program history.
 
Following that performance, the humble Tunstall immediately looked at the film to find flaws hidden to many – except him – so that he could correct them. He has a take no-prisoners attitude beneath his smile. Tunstall's work ethic was instilled in him by his family at a young age. Whenever he puts on that Towson uniform, he understands he's playing for something bigger.
 
"My parents inspire me," Tunstall said. "Growing up, I wanted to follow in their footsteps, and play sports at the collegiate level. All my life they made all the efforts they could to prepare me for my future, which allowed me to be in the position I am in today."
 
Tunstall was 4 years old when he began playing basketball. His dad got Tunstall started playing and was his coach up until high school. Among some of the lessons he taught Tunstall, was to never give up, always keep your head up and believe that your time is going to come.
 
Those positive words are always with Tunstall each time he takes the floor. These are some of the same messages, he can pass along to his teammates.
 
"If I could tell my freshman-self something now that I have lots of knowledge of now would be to stay ready so you don't have to get ready," Tunstall said. "Also to take care of your body and get treatment everyday. My message to my younger teammates is to stay the course. Be humble and stay patient, your time is coming." 
 
During last season's difficult campaign, Tunstall relied on his character and affable personality to sustain him and the Tigers through the adversity of losing nine games by six points or fewer and another pair in double overtime.
 
While Towson will be guaranteed at least 32 games this season, expect Tunstall to play each  possession like he doesn't trust it to be a tomorrow as the season begins on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at home against George Washington.
 
"What motivates me is knowing the fact that we believed that every game last year for us was winnable," Tunstall said. "Losing in the conference tournament hurt and is not one of our options this season. My best part of playing at Towson has been conference play. There is tons of excitement in conference play, and the number one goal is to win the conference. This is what we worked for all summer."