Derek played defensive safety for the Valdosta Wildcats in 1984-1986. Of the 42 games played during those 3 years, Derek played 41 of them. Along the way, Derek helped Valdosta to win the 1984 and 1986 state and national championships. Derek played in the Valdosta/Lowndes rivalry game which spanned 5 games due to 2 playoff match-ups. Valdosta won 3 of the 5 games. During this time, Derek was once named the “Most Valuable Defensive Back”. Speaking of the rivalry, Derek said, “When you play that game it’s like a national championship game with the atmosphere and all. It is the one game that you really want to win that year. It is the game that stays with you forever.”