Workhorse running back Trey Coury embraces Burrell’s ‘more diverse offense’

By: Michael Love
Sunday, August 10, 2025 | 11:29 AM

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In Burrell’s run-heavy offense last year, Trey Coury shined.

He was a workhorse for the Bucs, carrying the ball an average of 26.9 times a game. He finished the season with 1,143 yards and seven touchdowns.

When the opportunity presented itself for him to catch the football, he did so 14 times for 164 yards.

“I was a big part of the offense, yes, but I knew there were others who also were strong in the offense and showed it,” said Coury, who also will be a key factor in the Burrell defense at linebacker for new coach Dom Girardi and his staff.

“I think we will have a more diverse offense where I could have fewer carries, but I still hope to make a big impact and help us win games. We’ve been working hard as a team in the offseason, and I think we are well prepared to start the season and win games. We’re excited to see what the new offense can do.”

Coury is remembered for his two-game stretch last season when he was fed the ball constantly for a Bucs team looking to break into the win column.

He carried 54 times for 252 yards and two touchdowns in a 22-14 Burrell victory over East Allegheny.

The next week, he logged 53 carries for 266 yards and two scores as the Bucs topped Valley, 15-6, in the teams’ Bypass rivalry game.

Coury said he is looking to build on last year, both in terms of his production in the run and the pass and also in his leadership on and off the field.

Playing a lot of baseball in the spring and summer, he said, helped him stay in good shape and also increased his visibility among college diamond coaches. He traveled to several states for games the past couple of months and toured some college campuses.

But, at the same time, football prep work was on his mind, and he maintained his lifting schedule while working on increasing his speed. Coury put on 15 pounds of muscle from last year and now has 195 pounds on his 5-foot-11 frame.

“Last year, I was able to collect a lot of run-after-contact yards, and I hope to continue that by being an even more forceful runner,” he said. “I take pride in not going down on first contact.

“I want to also be better and more experienced at reading blocks in front of me and what the defenses are doing to try and stop me.”

Coury said he and others on the team have responded well to the new offensive dynamic.

“I think we can put a lot of pressure on teams by opening up the field,” he said. “The defenses will have to prepare for more things. I think it will be good for us.”

Coury said the offensive line, fronted by the veteran leadership of all-conference all-star Joah Martin, gives him and the other skill position players confidence to make plays and know they will both protect in the pass game and open running lanes to rack up yards.

“They are all looking awesome with how they worked together in the offseason to pick up the new blocking schemes,” he said. “They came back bigger and stronger, and they are on a mission.”

Coury was right in the mix making calls during a defensive individual position workout Friday evening at Buccaneer Stadium.

Last year, he was at safety. Now, he calls middle linebacker home.

“I am really excited about how our defense looks,” Coury said. “There are, of course, a lot of new plays and schemes, but I feel we’re picking up on those well, too. Everyone has responded well.”

Coury said it’s been to his benefit to work with new Burrell assistant coach Luke Bombalski, a 2024 Highlands graduate who featured prominently at running back and linebacker during his time with the Golden Rams.

“He’s young himself and is really easy to connect with,” Coury said. “We’ve had some personable conversations where he’s talked about what worked for him and how similar things can work for me. He speaks from so much experience. He’s been in the role of running back and linebacker, and he’s shown me ways to run with power and be in position to deliver a hit and make plays at linebacker. He’s also helped me evolve more into a leader and help the team more with a captain personality.”

Girardi said he is excited to see what Coury can do in the home scrimmage Saturday against Leechburg and during the season, starting with the Week Zero matchup Aug. 22 at Avonworth.

“Trey, more than anything, brings such a great attitude to whatever he does,” Girardi said. “He had a great work ethic, and that builds into his role as a leader. You can’t underestimate how important that is.

“On the field, he is a smart and hard runner. He’s physical, but he’s also quick. We’re going to do our best to utilize and take advantage of all the skills he possesses. I think he will wear many hats for us. I am really looking forward to seeing Trey have a great season.”

Michael Love is a TribLive reporter covering sports in the Alle-Kiski Valley and the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh. A Clearfield native and a graduate of Westminster (Pa.), he joined the Trib in 2002 after spending five years at the Clearfield Progress. He can be reached at mlove@triblive.com.

Tags: Burrell