On the Nose: Trevor Dean is leader of the lines for Robert C. Byrd football

“I love it,” Dean said of the coaching transition. “He pushes us to what he expects. He’s upped the standards and upped the training. I love it.”

Coach Scott moved up from his spot as defensive coordinator to head coach. The rest of the staff has remained mostly the same.

One change could be seen in the weight room. When your head coach has a defensive background, conditioning gets a little bit tougher.

“He’s definitely a lot harder,” Dean said of coach Scott with a laugh. “He knows what he wants, and we try to live up to those expectations.”

Dean is entering his sophomore season with RCB as one of the players who hopes to replace a loaded offensive line from 2022.

While the senior class has moved on, some going to play at the collegiate level, they have left a trail for guys like Dean to continue from.

As center, though, every play runs through his hands.

“I had some good mentors,” Dean said of the offensive line. “I was able to work with the seniors, and they got me ready. Stepping up in that spot, it’s a big role, but I’m ready to take it.”

Robert C Byrd accounted for over 1000 yards on the ground last season, but its strong point was the passing game.

The team threw for over 2200 yards in 2022 in an offense lead by former quarterback Nick George.

Dean, as a freshman, was part of that protection on the line that allowed for many games over 200 yards in the passing column.

While the biggest question for RCB in 2023 will be who can replace who on all aspects of the field, Dean has confidence in the team’s ability despite its youth.

“We have endless talent,” Dean said. “Everyone on this field knows how to play, and they’re going to play. I think we have talent at every single spot on the field.”

Coach Scott says the emphasis for the offensive side of the ball in 2023 will not create a sweeping change. However, there may be more emphasis on the run. In 2022, RCB amassed 100 or more rushing yards in just four games as a team.

The young core, including Dean, has bought into the notions.

“When you have young guys that are bought in, it sets you up for the future,” coach Scott said. “We have a lot of sophomores that are going to contribute. They’ve really worked in the offseason. It’s good to know that they’re going to be here, especially as a young coach.”

Dean joins a core of 10 sophomores listed on RCB’s roster.

Like those around him, Dean still has many years to come in his high school career.

Past Byrd linemen have moved on to a collegiate career as the team has produced a collegiate-level line for the past few seasons. It’s been one of the strongest points for the team in recent seasons.

Dean wants to be a part of the pantheon.

“I want to be known, make a name for myself,” Dean said of his season goals. “Byrd has been known to produce good athletes, and I want to be one of those names.”