Dean College Football getting ready for the season opener as they face Mass Maritime Academy in a scrimmage on August 27th. (Photo Courtesy: Dylan Hicks)
The Dean College football team has a new head coach in Andrae Murphy, and the team's attitude instantly changed. “From our athletic director down, everyone has bought in on the program and what we can accomplish,” Bulldogs senior wide receiver Quintus Reid said. “The competition during camp has risen every day, becoming more and more intense,” Reid continued.
The Bulldogs are coming off a disappointing 2021 season that saw them go 2-8. Murphy is very pleased with how the team has been performing in training camp and believes this group of players has a chance to be special. “I have been a part of some special teams and this team has the making to be one of those,” Murphy explained. “I just keep telling them to focus on the moment and what we are doing right now. Don’t focus on the next period of practice,” Murphy continued.
Murphy is very excited about what he has seen so far in practices. He has described the team as moving around while also being physical, which is something the coaching staff has been emphasizing. Both the offense and defense have been making plays in practice, which excites Coach Murphy because he mentioned the importance of having balanced play from both sides of the ball in practice.
Murphy believes that Bulldog fans can expect the team to play with a lot of energy, a high level of effort, discipline, and guys just enjoying being a part of the program.
Murphy also expects his team to play balanced as he has a stable of great running backs that he believes could easily start on the team, as well as some strong wide receivers. So far in practices Murphy has been very impressed with the offensive line being able to protect the quarterbacks and create opportunities for the ball carriers.
On the defensive side of the pigskin, Murphy expects Dean fans to see a little more pressure on the opposing quarterbacks than in past seasons while still taking a balanced approach overall.
One of the big stories in training camp has been the quarterback battle taking place due to last year’s QB, David Curry, opting not to return this season. Coach Murphy said they were not given an explanation as to why he left. The two quarterbacks at practices are sophomore Darren McDermott, who was on the Dean roster last season, as well as senior Nathan Cisco, a transfer from the University of Idaho.
Nathan Cisco (Photo Courtesy: Dylan Hicks) Darren McDermott (Photo Courtesy: Dylan Hicks)
Murphy has described the quarterback battle as going so well that even during the heat of the battle they are both helping each other and never show any animosity towards one another. Some days McDermott has a better day, and other days Cisco has a better day. As of now, Murphy explained that both quarterbacks are playing at a high level and says a decision on the starter will be made before the season opener on September 2nd at Fitchburg State University.
While some players are well known on the Dean roster, including wide receiver Quintus Reid and tight end Jordan Mason, some new players may go under the radar. For example, running back David Holden recently transferred from Jacksonville State University. The Bulldogs also have some incoming freshman running backs including Fontabian Donaldson Jr and Will Stafford. Dean also has an incoming freshman wide receiver that Murphy believes is starting to step up in Mohale Mitchell, who is from Colorado.
One of the more intriguing stories on the defensive side of the ball is senior Alex Huber, who switched to football after playing basketball for the Bulldogs. This is Huber's first time playing football, but Murphy is already impressed. “He’s extremely athletic and is having a great camp so far,” Coach Murphy said. “He already looks like a polished veteran,” Murphy continued.
The goals for the team and individually differ depending on whom you ask. “Our team goal is to win the conference and make a run in the national playoffs,” Quintus Reid mentioned. “My personal goals are to lead the conference in every category for a wide receiver and be named All-American,” Reid continued.
When you ask Coach Murphy and Matthew Blake, their mindsets are very different. “The team goal is to take it one game at a time and make a statement for our conference and country that we are a team not to mess with,” Senior linebacker Matthew Blake explained.
“Our team goal is to win the next play and overcome any adversity we face. That is what separates average teams from good teams,” Murphy said. “My personal goal is to be the best coach I can be for Dean College. I also want to be the best coach and mentor for the players whether it is on the field, off the field, academically or socially,” Murphy continued. Coach Murphy ultimately wants to help develop his players into becoming leaders.
The Bulldogs will open the season on the road Friday, September 2nd, at Fitchburg State University, with kickoff set for 7 pm.