DeAndre Taylor: In-Game Leader

This RBC student is a gifted gamer who is helping raise the profile of the College’s Esports team.

By Sterling Giles

Richard Bland College is home to one of the best video gamers in the country. His name is DeAndre Taylor. At his peak, he was ranked among the nation’s top 85 players in “Overwatch 2,” a popular first-person shooter video game.

Taylor currently serves as the Esports President and Captain of the College’s Overwatch team. He thrives as the squad’s vocal bedrock—calling out defensive and offensive tactics for his teammates to follow.

“It’s kind of like playing chess,” the second-year student said. “You’ve got to do the work to roll as a team.”

Like a traditional sports club, the team reviews game film to see the pros and cons of their play. Taylor admitted he doesn’t shy away from giving constructive criticism to his teammates. However, he’s not above critique—he wants everyone to get better, himself included.

“You have to have that competitive drive and willingness to win,” Taylor said. “And a willingness to look back on your plays because that’s the only way you can improve.”

Led by Coordinator and Head Coach Cameron Mewhirter, the Esports team was instituted in the fall of last year. In addition to “Overwatch 2,” RBC plays “Tekken,” “Fortnite” and “Valorant” competitively.

Taylor is currently working toward his associate’s degree in Business Administration. Once he graduates from RBC, he’s considering majoring in Accounting at either William & Mary, Virginia Tech or VCU. He also plans to continue gaming competitively.