Dean was on track to play at Ohio State, where he would be part of a team looking to defend a national title. But a pair of knee injuries late in his high school career jeopardized his future. The 4-star cornerback was then told he wasn't healthy enough to play for the Buckeyes.
However, a year after fearing the worst, Dean is back on the football field and taking full advantage of his second chance at Auburn.
"It felt real great to be out there [in spring practices] and experience it knowing my knee is still holding up," Dean said.