Tyson Ross has already established himself as one of the area’s top offensive linemen, but the Andover standout believes the best is still ahead.
After earning all-league and all-state honors while helping the Trojans capture a league championship last season, Ross enters the new football season focused on one goal: leading Andover to a state title.
“The things I am most excited about this upcoming season are seeing what we are capable of as a new team and really pushing ourselves to the limits to reach our full potential, leaving nothing on the table,” Ross said. “We have great potential, and all we have to do is work for it, taking the narrow path so we can say we earned what we achieved.”
Ross said one of the aspects he is looking forward to most is strengthening the bonds within the team.
“Another thing I am excited for is building a brotherhood with some of the guys stepping up and my brothers that have been playing,” he said.
Preparing for the season has meant a busy offseason centered on improving every aspect of his game. Ross said he has dedicated his time to training, lifting weights and studying film to continue developing as an offensive lineman.
“I do these things to get my offensive line play sharper and to gain more strength because, as an offensive lineman, the position never stops evolving,” Ross said. “There is always something you can work on.”
One of his biggest offseason priorities was becoming stronger without sacrificing mobility.
“The biggest goal was gaining strength while remaining agile,” he said.
Ross also identified pass protection as an area where he wanted to improve before the season began. He emphasized refining his technique through additional footwork drills, pass-set training and countless hours watching film.
“I trained my footwork and pass set, as well as watching film to study the game the whole offseason,” Ross said.
While Ross hopes to continue developing individually, his personal accolades are secondary to team success.
“This season I want to win state with my brothers, and that’s the most important goal,” Ross said. “I want to improve my leadership skills and overall evolve in my offensive line play, showing progression from last season.”
Ross believes the Trojans have something to prove after being overlooked entering the season.
“This season is going to be special for Andover because we have been an overlooked group of guys, and all we want is to maximize our potential at the highest level and win,” he said.
Looking beyond high school, Ross has lofty goals. He plans to continue his football career at the University of Oklahoma before pursuing a professional career.
“My future plans are to go to the University of Oklahoma and play for three to four years,” Ross said. “After that I’m going to go to the league and, at some point, earn my degree.”
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