North Carolina State University Athletics
Stepping Out Of The Shadows
10/7/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 7, 2004
By Chennelle Miller - He's a serious guy at first glance, with a quiet disposition. But digging a bit deeper resulted in some smiles and an obviously intense desire to realize his goals. Senior defensive end Dyron Liverman is a walking representative of dedication, hard work, grit and passion. He has spent the last three years balancing his engineering coursework with the demands of playing for a Division I football program. This season, Liverman is ready to step out of the shadows of the scout team and into the light shining over the dewy grass of Carter-Finley Stadium wearing his No. 53 game jersey.
While growing up in the small town of Windsor, N.C., the only activity it seemed was football. His cousins played it, his neighbors played and even his own brother played it. Fans might make the connection of another former Wolfpack walk-on, Greg Liverman, who lettered in 2001. In fact not only was football the sport to play, but there was only one high school in the county, Bertie High School, to play it at. So already the chips weren't stacked in his favor to make it big in football.
"I decided to play football, mostly because I didn't want to just go home and sleep," said Liverman. "Football was something to do and it turned out that I was good at it."
Having the chips stacked against him didn't hinder his motivation to play hard and get better. And because there were guys ahead of him getting recruited, Liverman was forced to remain on junior varsity until his senior year. But the waiting only made him a better player, so much so that he played on both sides of the ball, never coming off the field. He was named all-conference, all-region and was the all-area Defensive Player of the Year. With that said, it's obvious that being "held back", doesn't truly mean Liverman was held back but simply motivated to work harder and overcome those obstacles.
"I never came off the field as a senior," stated Liverman. "When I first started playing I knew there were guys ahead of me that were better, but I stuck with it. My persistence paid off."
When Liverman first arrived at NC State, his goals were set to become an engineer, not necessarily to play football. It was his brother, Greg, who challenged him to go out for football. An invite from Coach Amato to freshman orientation changed his original plan slightly. Liverman's talents were awarded with preferred walk-on status for the Wolfpack in 2000.
"My brother said to at least give it a try," said Liverman. "He had gone through the same process and down the same road. Greg had the confidence in me that I could play for NC State and so did I."
The orientation set the stage for Liverman for the next three years. He spent his freshman, sophomore and junior years on the scout team, which allowed him to hone his skills as a defensive end, while also aiding in the improvement of his challenging academic curriculum in the engineering department. Each year he showed up for training camp with the hopes of getting one opportunity to dress out.
"Having one chance to play is what motivates me," commented Liverman. "I want people to know that I am hungry and that my hard work is deserving of that chance. I've been waiting to show everyone what I can do."
As a walk-on, responsibilities are different. The players have a different focus, a different perspective of the game. They are able to see the little things that make the game what it is. Scout team players must show up to practice every day, just for the hope that one day they will have the opportunity to suit up. They put in the same time during practice as the other guys, but often do not have the opportunity to see those dreams of playing time realized.
With all of the frustration that comes with not putting on the game jersey for three years, one might think Liverman has lost some desire or possibly shown signs of giving up. Or maybe they ask why would someone want to go through all of that just for the one chance of playing? Liverman just replies with something his grandmother has preached to him his entire life. "Don't just do the work. Do it with all of your heart."
Liverman has done the work the past three seasons and continues to this season. After putting in the time day after day, his mental fortitude is still in tact, and so is his drive to be better. Throughout his time he has been a vital part of the scout team. His work ethic on the field and in the weight room has resulted in a 35-pound increase in his bench press since last season. And this year he is looking for it to pay off.
When he walks onto the field he doesn't search for motivation from the coaches or his teammates, he knows where it is. He's been waiting a long time for that one chance and is humble in saying that this is the year. The coaches don't have to take a chance on him because it's not about beating the odds; it's about putting the jersey in his locker and expecting Liverman to fill it.
"I have this one recurring dream of returning a fumble for a touchdown," reflected Liverman. "I dream that all of the time. I just want the opportunity to get onto field. I'm ready to step out of the shadows."
