Dylan Duty is a standout offensive lineman for Blue Ridge who, going into this season, has several college offers and will be a centerpiece for the Tigers’ success.
But just a few years ago, Duty wasn’t sure if he wanted to play football anymore at all.
“Honestly, after my freshman year, I was really contemplating not playing anymore,” said Duty. “I kept getting in my own head and being so afraid of messing up. And deep down, I think I felt like I wasn’t good enough for the sport.”
Duty’s plans changed, however, after conversations with his coaching staff — namely, head coach John Boggs, who was a standout OL himself.
“The coaches motivated me and they pushed me to keep going,” said Duty. “I ended up getting a starting spot on varsity as a sophomore after that. The biggest thing for me in getting over the fear of messing up was realizing that I already had messed up plenty before, and it was okay. In life, you’re going to mess up, and it’s about how you respond.”
“Dylan’s been huge for us, and he’s grown a ton over the years,” said Boggs. “He’s someone who’s both mentally and physically taken huge leaps as a player. He’s going to be a big part of our success this year as a senior.”
Duty stands at just about 6-foot-4 and weighs 280 pounds, but this offseason, that weight has shifted to the right places. Duty has packed on muscle and shed fat as he prepares to make a statement as a senior.
He credits his growth as a player and person to two people: his father, who he calls his biggest motivator, and Boggs, who, as a former lineman, understands Duty like no one else.
“Coach Boggs, I’ve known him for six years now, and he’s been the greatest person ever to me,” said Duty. “He’s a great coach and person, and he’s motivated me to keep going. After that freshman year, when I didn’t want to play anymore, he told me I had a great chance of starting as a sophomore. That if I worked hard enough, he wouldn’t keep me on JV for long.”
As the years have progressed, Duty has grown into more and more of a leader on a Tiger offensive line that turns out talent yearly. This season, he will be the top dog for a Blue Ridge team poised to make a run in Class AAA. It’s a role Duty doesn’t take lightly.
Reflecting on how far he’s come, Duty says there are two aspects of himself that he’s seen shift and grow: his work ethic and his faith.
“Honestly, if I could go back and give that freshman version of me advice, it would be to work harder,” said Duty. “I learned quickly that you can’t underestimate the value of hard work. Last year, when I realized I had the potential to do this for a while and play in college, that’s when it snapped for me. Now, my work ethic is nonstop.
“Also, I have started getting back into my faith. I wouldn’t say I ever stopped, but I have been going to church again every Sunday since my junior season. The fact is, I’m blessed for what I have and for what God has given me and for the position I’m in. That’s the most important thing, always.”
Duty and the Tigers begin the season on August 21 with a home game vs. St. Joseph’s. Duty is No. 2 of 10 of GreerNews.com's preseason player profiles.
