Scott founded the McBrien Group to help young football players maximize their potential and improve their chances of college recruitment. Driven by his own experiences navigating the recruiting process, Scott wanted to provide athletes an avenue to highlight their potential.
Scott McBrien's journey is a testament to resilience and seizing opportunities against all odds. Standing 5'10" and weighing 140 pounds in high school, Scott faced countless setbacks as he chased his college football dreams, going into his senior year without a single offer. Despite an undefeated season and a WCAC championship, college interest remained elusive—until, in January, the University of Rhode Island extended an offer. But the real game-changer came just two weeks before signing day: a call from West Virginia University led to an official visit, an unexpected offer, and a commitment that set him on a path to success.
From there, Scott’s journey took him to two bowl game MVPs, time with the Green Bay Packers, NFL Europe, and the CFL. His foundation now helps young athletes overcome their own obstacles, providing them with the support, mentorship, and exposure he once needed to transform challenges into opportunities.
Our Directors
Gerald "Smoke" Dixon
Director of Player Development
Gerald “Smoke” Dixon joined Maryland football as General Manager of recruiting in March 2022, after serving as Vanderbilt’s director of scouting in 2021. Previously, Dixon was with the XFL’s D.C. Defenders, helping build the team before the league's suspension in 2020. He spent four years as a pro scout for the Buffalo Bills, contributing to their playoff berth in 2017. Dixon has collegiate coaching experience at The Citadel and started his career in high school coaching. An All-SEC cornerback at Alabama, Dixon also played in the NFL, NFL Europe, and the CFL. He and his wife, Stacia, have three children.
J.B. Gerald
Director of Player Education
J.B. Gerald is a seasoned coach, teacher, and mentor with over 20 years of experience in collegiate athletics and academics. He has held key roles in football programs at Penn State, Illinois, New Mexico, and Syracuse, specializing in player development and recruitment. Beyond sports, J.B. has served in various academic roles, including director of graduate support and teacher, impacting students' lives holistically. Currently, he teaches and coaches at the Mater Dei School in Bethesda, MD, where he continues to guide and inspire young minds. His dedication and expertise make him a respected leader in both athletic and educational circles.
Will Flaherty
Director of Player Personnel
With 25 years of experience in football coaching and recruiting, Will Flaherty has built a career defined by identifying, developing, and maximizing talent at both the high school and collegiate levels. A native of Washington, D.C., and graduate of St. John’s College High School, Will began his career coaching at his alma mater before joining Our Lady of Good Counsel, where he played a key role in securing multiple WCAC Championships under Bob Milloy, and the Landon School.
At the collegiate level, Will excelled in talent acquisition during his tenures at the University of Maryland, Iowa Western, and Penn State University. While at Penn State, he contributed to recruiting classes that fueled the team’s success in marquee bowl games, including the Rose Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, and Peach Bowl.
Will’s expertise in recruiting and player development has consistently elevated the programs he’s worked with, fostering cultures of growth and success. Known for his ability to build strong relationships with athletes, families, and staff, he continues to thrive in finding and developing the next generation of football talent.
Brayden Nazarian
Content Producer
Hailing from Montgomery County, Maryland, Brayden is a savvy content creator, great networker, and football diehard. With over 5 years of experience in the sports media industry, he has the knowledge and ability to bring the McBrien Group vision to life.