Robert Dickerson: Covered by Faith

Cornerbacks live in uncertainty.

Not knowing the route, the receiver’s next move, or even when the ball is coming out is all a part of the position.

Senior defensive back Robert Dickerson has never been able to predict what comes next. Instead of trying to guess the future, he trusted in a plan that he admits was not his own—yet it could not have unfolded any more perfectly.

Dickerson has lived like a cornerback, long before he ever took a snap with that title. Surviving challenges off the field has only made him more determined to dominate on it.

Fortunately, growing up in the city of Pittsburgh prepared him for his journey. Hailing from Western Pa., Dickerson’s blue-collar mentality was instilled from a young age.

From health issues to fighting for consistent playing time, “adversity is something that’s natural to me,” Dickerson told The Portal Report in an exclusive interview.

Through all of the difficulties, he rose. Sometimes mindset simply matters more.

Dickerson’s commitment to Robert Morris was more than a regular college commitment. It was the payoff of countless hours nobody saw. But even further than that, it carried on the family legacy with his cousin.

Robb Butler sits in the RMU Athletic Hall of Fame for his legendary contributions to the football program. After two years as a Colonial, he went on to sign with the San Diego Chargers and became just the fifth player in school history to land an NFL contract.

Robb Butler lined up as a DB for the Robert Morris University Colonials. Photo Credits: Robert Morris

He paved the way for his younger cousin, and although the two share a strong relationship, Dickerson never let his cousin’s greatness pressure him. Instead he used it as motivation to forge his own path.

Early on, Dickerson’s college career was anything but glamorous. He arrived as an offensive weapon at running back and wide receiver but spent most of his time watching others take the snaps he desperately wanted.

While many choose to transfer at the first sign of adversity, Dickerson stayed and outworked everyone.

After switching his position to cornerback in 2023, Dickerson’s career was given new life. This afforded him an opportunity to get on the field more and make an impact.

Despite the uphill battle, Dickerson seized his opportunity and made the most of it. He had a career-high two interceptions this past season for Bobby Mo. He also added 19 total tackles and had 6 pass breakups.

Dickerson capped his breakout season by earning Second Team All-Conference honors in the Northeastern Conference. The Colonials also ranked 10th in pass defense across the FCS.

After accomplishing everything he wanted to in the red, blue, and white, Dickerson entered his name in the transfer portal.

He chose Tennessee Tech as his new home because, “they are going to make me the player and person I want to become.” He also believes there is, “another level they can help me reach,” Dickerson said.

In 2025, Tennessee Tech finished off a historic 11 win season and went undefeated in conference play. As the Golden Eagles prepare to transition from the Ohio Valley Conference to the Southern Conference, Dickerson looks to help strengthen a secondary that allowed about 300 yards per game.

“When [Tennessee Tech] got me down here they talked about my versatility for my size,” Dickerson said. “There’s nowhere in the secondary I can’t play.”

A huge part of his recruitment was the winning culture. Tennessee Tech head coach, Bobby Wilder, along with the defensive staff have prioritized Dickerson’s athletic ability.

Whether it’s playing nickel or safety, Dickerson will be a tactical chess piece for this defense.

Wilder formerly coached at Old Dominion and since his departure, he has led a resurgence within this Golden Eagles program. In his two years, he has accumulated 18 wins and has won the conference twice.

Coach Wilder also recently received the Walter Camp FCS Coach of the Year award.

Tennessee Tech currently has the No. 1 portal class in the FCS. Dickerson is excited to play for an outstanding coach and team, but his focus remains on improving himself one percent each day.

This fall the Golden Eagles will look to soar once again. They have aspirations of SoCon domination and ultimately bringing a national championship to Cookeville.

As Dickerson travels south, he remains grounded by his core principles. His route was written long before he could see it and the plan was placed in front of him. He’s big on his faith and for a player used to covering others, he says God has covered him all of his life.

Tennessee Tech is getting a player who doesn’t play for the name on the back of the jersey, but the front.

Dickerson’s story isn’t about waiting for the moment. His story is about being ready when that moment arrives.

For him the formula is simple: “Do the work, keep the faith, and keep going.”

Picture of Quentin Williams

Quentin Williams

Quentin Williams is a Baltimore-raised native New Yorker, and a senior at St. John’s University. Since childhood, Quentin’s enthusiasm for sports has been a driving force, evolving from athletic participation to a strong desire to enter the sports media world. Now serving as the Editorial Intern for The Portal Report, Quentin has another opportunity to blend his passion and studies, further fueling his relentless pursuit of excellence.

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