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Dyer Dug Deep as a Leader for the Rams

Vincent Dyer was never shy about getting physical on the gridiron, and he used that ferocious style of play to become one of the best football players in the state.

Vincent is a senior at Westbrook High School who recently completed his career with the Rams, helping the team progress from an 0-11 record in his freshman year to winning eight games during each of his last two seasons.

In his recent senior campaign, Vincent, a senior captain, rushed for 1,031 yards and 15 touchdowns—scoring 21 total touchdowns for the year—to go with 104 tackles, two interceptions, and two sacks as a linebacker. Vincent was named the Rams’ Most Valuable Player for the third straight season, was selected to the All-Pequot League Sassacus Division Team as a running back, and was also chosen as the Sassacus Division Player of the Year.

“There is something satisfying about putting on a perfectly formed tackle and, when you hit a guy, you are equal with them at that point,” says Vincent, who shared the Rams’ MVP Award with Victor Pascoe. “I’ve always tried my best to contribute to the team in every way possible. I never gave a lack of effort, and always giving 100 percent was most important to me.”

While Vincent has given his all on the field from a physical standpoint, he’s also developed a lot of mental strength from playing football. Vincent says there’s no better feeling than when all 11 men on the turf click at the same time to make a big play.

“From my freshman year to my sophomore year, I think that is when I had my biggest mental growth. I went from being a football player to someone who was able to read a defense, because it is like a chess game, and it comes down to great coaching,” says Vincent. “It’s really great when you have a breakaway run for a touchdown. There’s nothing better than making that first break through the line and that first cut and having the people around you block for you. The unity of everyone blocking is my favorite kind of football.”

As one of his team’s linebackers, Vincent served as the Rams’ signal caller on the defensive side of the ball. Vincent gives a lot of credit to his coaches for his success in that area, saying they gave him the tools to succeed, while trusting his judgment on every snap.

“Being a defensive quarterback is all about reading film. [Head Coach Mike Marone] does a lot more than he says he does,” Vincent says. “He shows me tendencies, and my job is to keep my cool and read formations. Coach Marone contributes to the choices I make on the field.”

Vincent also extends a lot of credit to Coach Marone for helping him adjust to life as a leader in his role as a captain.

“Being captain was difficult, because the captains before me were just learning how to teach others how to be leaders,” Vincent says. “Coach Marone really helped me as captain. It all comes back to him. He planted the seeds for me to become a leader.”

Marone has been coaching football for many years and says that Vincent is among the greatest players he’s ever had the privilege of working with.

“Vin Dyer is one of the two best football players I have ever coached. Ironically, his teammate Victor Pascoe is the other,” says Marone. “I will never see another high school football player like Vin Dyer.”

Vincent helped the Rams go on quite a rise throughout his tenure with the team. Vincent says the experience showed him that when you dedicate yourself to something, any form of success is attainable.

“I couldn’t be happier with my time here. Going 0-11 was heartbreaking, but it was important for the character of the team. The slow growth and progression helped us,” says Vincent. “I also learned nothing is set in stone, because no one knew we would go 6-4 after going 0-11. We took our punches and progressed, and it motivated me as a person.”