With just under three years and 75 pounds separating them, the Dickerson brothers made a huge impact on the Tufts football team this year. Everett, a 220-pound senior, played a pivotal role in the Jumbos defensive line this season, while Andy, a 295-pound sophomore, brought size and skill to an inexperienced offensive line.
The Wilmington, DE natives never planned on playing on the same collegiate team, but fate clearly stepped in.
"I had never heard of Tufts before Everett applied," Andy said. "I decided to go there because it was a good school academically, and I would have a chance to do different sports. I was definitely going to play football no matter where I went."
Everett was thrilled when he heard that his younger sibling would be joining him, and suiting up in a Jumbo football uniform as well. "I was totally psyched when I found out he was coming to Tufts," Everett said. "We have always been each other's biggest supporter, and I love having him here."
When Andy joined the team, it was actually a relief for Everett, then a junior, because he had spent his entire sophomore year sidelined with an injury. Having an honest opinion from someone who knew his style of play better than anyone else on the field gave Everett an added confidence boost.
"I came back junior year and I was a stranger to most of the team, and I was having trouble on defense," Everett said. "He would tell me what I was doing wrong. It's good to have someone who has the same goals as you out on the field."
Both Dickerson brothers began their football careers eight years ago. For Everett, it was his freshman year in high school.
"I wasn't going to play, but football was really big at my high school," Everett said. "I was one of the bigger kids on the team, so I played [defensive] line."
The elder brother also was on his school's wrestling and track teams, and was joined by his younger brother in all three of the sports two years later.
"The fact that Everett played football had an effect," Andy said, "but it was always something that I wanted to do. I kind of followed him, but it made sense that I played those sports. Again, I would say it was mostly a coincidence, but he had a little factor."
While in high school the duo dominated, both playing on the defensive line, often side-by-side, culminating in a conference championship Everett's senior year. It wasn't until college, though, that the two had to line up against each other, on the opposite sides of the ball during practice.
"When we are playing, he's definitely my brother," Everett said. "Sometimes it's hard for me to go up against him. He knows that I'm worth my salt, though. We play good, controlled football. We only practice against each other so it's all for learning anyway. I know he can take it, and he's got the same attitude about me."
Andy tries to take a less personal approach. "I try to see him as a regular player when we are lining up," he said. "You just have to go out and do whatever you have to."
The Dickerson brothers helped their Jumbos jump out to a 2-1 record early in the season. But as the Jumbos' luck turned, so did Andy's ankle, and he was sidelined for a few games midway through the season. He returned and played well in the final game of the season, which may also have been the last time the brothers would suit up together.
"He is a warrior," Everett said. "He'll play through pain, but not injury. I don't see it as the last time we will be side-by-side in competition though. I've got two more years to see him play."
The two may actually have another season together as Jumbos, though, as Everett is considering going to graduate school at Tufts. Because he missed his entire sophomore season due to injury, he still has another year of eligibility left. While it may be a bit of a long shot at this point, Everett may also join his younger brother on the track and field team, where Andy competes in the weight throw, hammer throw, and discus.
The Dickersons, while unique off the field, both bring a similar level of intensity while playing the game they love. Through the time they have experienced playing together, they have also acquired respect for each other.
"I wouldn't say he looks up to me," Everett said. "At this point in our lives we can look at each other as equals because he's not a kid anymore. I've been through more at Tufts, but he also brings a lot to the table. We have two totally different groups of friends, but if I ever need him he's there."
