COAL GROVE — This could be the start of something big, and big Jared Dever wants to be a big part of it.

The West Virginia Tech Bears, under first-year head coach Shane Beatty, were 1-10 last season as the program switched to NAIA status and joined the Mid-South Conference.

Dever, the Coal Grove Hornets outstanding senior lineman, wants to be a part of the process of creating a winning program.

“They have a new coach, so they’re rebuilding. I want to help,” Dever said.

The 6-foot-340-pound two-way tackle was a first team All-Ohio Valley Conference selection. He was voted to the Associated Press Southeast All-District Division V first team and was special mention All-Ohio.

Although he played tackle for Coal Grove, Dever said things will probably change in many ways at the collegiate level.

“I want to play more on offense. I’ll probably move to center or guard,” Dever said. “I just like to line up and knock the daylights out of someone.”

Coal Grove head coach Dave Lucas said Dever has all the qualities needed to make a solid lineman for the Bears.

“He’s a real strong player,” said Lucas. “He’s a hard worker, he has good technique, and he’s very consistent. He’s the guy we ran behind the last two or three years. He’s a steady force in there.”

Strength is a key asset for Dever who bench presses 350 pounds, squats 715, and dead lifts 525.

“It’ll be a hard transition, but I’m pretty sure I can do it,” Dever said.

Not only does Dever want to extend his football career at the college level, he hopes for it to go beyond the next four or five years.

“I want to go into education and coach,” Dever said. “I just want to be around the game for as long as I can.”

Jared is the son of Bob and Janie Dever of Coal Grove.