Dustin Royston - Football Coach - Middle Tennessee State University Athletics

Dustin Royston

Title:
Defensive Line/Recruiting Coordinator
Email:
dustin.royston@mtsu.edu
Phone:
898-2926

Updated January 2024

Dustin Royston, who has worked at MTSU since 2017, begins his first year as the Director of Player Personnel for Coach Derek Mason. Royston spent the previous two years as the Blue Raiders’ linebackers coach and was the defensive line coach from 2018-21.

COACHING HIGHLIGHTS:
At Middle Tennessee, director of player personnel (2024-Present)
• Moved into his new role in January after being retained by Derek Mason

At Middle Tennessee, linebackers/special teams coordinator (2022-23)
• Took over coaching the linebackers in February 2022
• Led a unit that had four of the top 10 tacklers on the team, including Third Team Freshman All-American Devyn Curtis, to help a defense that ranked in the top five nationally in interceptions, turnovers gained, defensive TDs and red zone defense in 2022
• Named special teams coordinator in February 2023
• Tutored newcomer Sam Brumfield in 2023 to second team all-cusa honors after leading MTSU in tackles with 81 to go with eight hurries and two forced fumbles
• In 2023 he mentored five of the top eight tacklers on the team

At Middle Tennessee, defensive line/recruiting coordinator (2018-21)
• Hired as the Blue Raiders’ 10^th assistant on Feb. 1, 2018
• Also serves as the programs recruiting coordinator
• Defensive end Jordan Ferguson was a second team all-conference pick in 2021 while defensive linemen Malik Manciel, Rakavian Poydras and Jahmal Jones all earned HM All-CUSA honors in 2018
• Defensive line played a huge role in 2021 as the Blue Raider defense led the nation in turnovers gained (32) and defensive touchdowns (6) while ranking 29^th in tackles for loss. The defensive line accounted for 35.5 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, 43 hurries, three blocked kicks and two interceptions
• Named to 247Sports 30 under 30 in 2019
• Coached the linebackers in the Blue Raiders’ Bahamas Bowl win over Toledo

At Middle Tennessee (2017)
• First season as a graduate assistant with the Blue Raiders in 2017
• Served as a defensive GA in 2017 with a focus on working with the defensive front where the Raiders had an all-conference player in Walter Brady along with all-freshman team member Jordan Ferguson

University of Alabama (2015-16)
• Spent two seasons in an off-field role at Alabama
• Worked with the Crimson Tide’s outside linebackers/defensive ends
• Worked directly with NFL draft picks Tim Williams, Ryan Anderson, Christian Miller, Jamey Mosley, Terrell Lewis and Anfernee Jennings
• Member of the staff that produced the No. 1 and No. 2 defense in the country
• Worked with a defensive unit that lead the country with 107 sacks in two seasons
• Coached a unit that was a part of a national championship and two-time SEC champions

Personal
• Native of Royston, Ga.
• Son of Ronnie and Lauren Royston
• Father, Ronnie, coached high school football in Georgia for 30 years

Education
• High School: Stephens County High School
• College: Earned two B.S. degrees in International Affairs and Political Science from the University of Georgia in 2013 and his M.Ed. in Education from Lipscomb in 2015

Playing Experience (2009-12)
• Played at the University of Georgia
• Appeared in 11 games as a fullback on special teams and goal line situations
• Recipient of one of the Outstanding Scout Team Awards
• Athletic Director's Honor Roll and Dean's List recipient
• Named to the Academic All-SEC Honor Roll in 2012 and 2013

Bowl Experience:
• 2009: Independence Bowl (player)
• 2010: Liberty Bowl (player)
• 2012: Outback Bowl (player)
• 2013: Capital One Bowl (player)
• 2015: Cotton Bowl (coach)
• 2016: National Championship (coach)
• 2016: Peach Bowl (coach)
• 2017: National Championship (coach)
• 2017: Camellia Bowl (coach)
• 2018: R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl (coach)
• 2021: Bahamas Bowl (coach)
• 2022: Hawai’i Bowl (coach)