Rutgers Football LB Austin Dean discusses return to team
After spending the last two seasons at Georgia Tech, linebacker Austin Dean transferred back to Rutgers to mark his second stint with the team.
“I just loved Coach [Greg] Schiano and had a great relationship with him,” Dean said regarding his decision to return. “I had a great relationship with the guys from my first time here, and decided this was the place for me and wanted to come back.”
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Dean totaled 19 tackles over his first two years with Rutgers (2021-22) in 20 games. He was also named to the Academic All-Big Ten list as a sophomore.
Despite transferring back to the banks on July 22, Dean explained how his previous stint with the Scarlet Knights prepared him for his return and understanding the program’s culture.
“The whole summer I was staying ready, and I knew the culture from here before,” he said. “It’s changed a little bit, but I didn’t feel like I was playing that big of catch-up. Not being around all the guys was a little bit different, but once I started to get a relationship with people, it got a lot better.”
Dean played in 12 games for Georgia Tech last season and totaled six tackles. He detailed what lessons he took from his time with the Yellow Jackets.
“I learned a lot about football and life,” he said. “It was a hard school, so I spent a lot of time focusing on academics and football. I had a good time there, but I’m happy to be back.”
Dean also reunited with co-defensive coordinator Robb Smith, who served as defensive coordinator during his freshman year in 2021.
“I like Coach [Robb] Smith, he’s a great guy and I had a great experience with him the first time,” Dean said. “I’m just happy to be back with him and Coach Schiano.”
While Dean is familiar with several faces in his return to Piscataway, this training camp marked the first time he worked with co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Zach Sparber.
“He’s been great, he really focuses on technique and just chopping the moment,” Dean said about Sparber. “Every period in practice is spent focusing on that period and trying to get better every day.”
As he prepares for his fifth season, Dean expressed how he has grown as a player and what the upcoming team brings to the table.
“I think I’m older and a lot more mature, I understand things don’t happen as soon as I want them to happen, and patience is key,” he said. “It’s a mix of older and younger guys, and we’re ready to fly around and have fun.”
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