The Five Biggest Surprises Of 2006: #5 - Scott Derry

by Peter Bean on Jan 19, 2007 11:11 AM CST in Texas Longhorns Football

2006 had its fair share of disappointment, no doubt, but there were a lot of exciting surprises for Texas fans, as well. When you talk about the best surprises of the '06 season, you simply have to include Scott Derry in the conversation. Not a single person predicted Derry would play such a critical role on this year's squad, and as nightmarish as the linebacking play was this season, Derry was, relatively speaking, a savior.

Derry played as a reserve in 11 games as a redshirt freshman before missing his entire sophomore season to a severe ankle injury. After injuries and inexperience plagued this year's group, Derry was given every opportunity to succeed and he made the most of it. He wound up starting in ten of Texas' thirteen games, earned an "Honorable Mention" on the All Big 12 team, while finishing with 63 tackles, six tackles for loss, a sack, and a forced fumble.

Derry's not the speediest guy in the locker room, but he plays hard and has a pretty good nose for the ball. As bad as the linebacker play was overall this season, it's frightening to think just how low things could have sunk without Derry rising to the occasion.

--PB--

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#5 part 2

You have two #5 - I believe this should be titled #4

by WacArnolds on Jan 19, 2007 11:14 AM CST reply actions

correction

I'm an idiot - these are suprises.

by WacArnolds on Jan 19, 2007 11:15 AM CST up reply actions

no worries

You've earned a bit of slack around here...besides, we don't expect much from aggies.

by Hornbud on Jan 19, 2007 11:43 AM CST up reply actions

to make this Scott Derry related

I think this guy did a damn good job considering he seemingly came out of nowhere. Its extra effort like this that can really keep the season from getting out of hand.

And the mullet he was sporting was pretty sick.

by WacArnolds on Jan 19, 2007 12:04 PM CST up reply actions

Thank God for the follow-up counterpoint

Every offseason's gotta have hope.

by a0nyme on Jan 19, 2007 11:26 AM CST reply actions

Derry

I don't know if this has any validity or not, but Derry always seemed to be running around like, oh, i don't know, let's say a giraffe, making plays all over the field. He seemed to be a solid contributor because he made a lot of tackles and always seemed to be in on the play. But Chizik's scheme was about the linebacks controlling their gaps and not runing all over the place making tackles (a la Derrick Johnson).

So, while Derry did seem to make a lot of plays, he also might have been out of position a lot too, causing the safeties to have to come up in run support. Again, I don't know if this is valid or not, but something to think about.

by billyzane on Jan 19, 2007 11:33 AM CST reply actions

Well

You're sort of right, and I tried to note that Derry's not without his flaws. I can remember many a gameday comment, typing, "Damnit Derry!"

Still, for a guy without the elite physical tools of some of the guys we're used to seeing at Texas, his stepping in to play solidly was huge.

by Peter Bean on Jan 19, 2007 11:46 AM CST up reply actions

I've heard Derry

was one of those kids who grew up loving the Horns and wanted more than anything to play at Texas.

He is one the best tacklers on the team and he exceeds demands. What more could you ask for?
He doesn't do anything to hurt the team and gets through blocks better than anyone on that unit.

The man has style too. That Viking hair doo he sports makes him look wicked, like a barbarian warrior or something. I'm dating myself, but I've nicknamed him Thundar the Barbarian (old cartoon).

Cats and dogs sleeping together.

by EYESofBEVO on Jan 19, 2007 12:11 PM CST reply actions

Derry was the most visible linebacker.

From my perspective. I did notice that like DJ he was all over the field.

I think another thing about SD is his neck seems long or maybe his pads sit low. His hair shows way more than most players. Next years opposing offenses will have to "fear the flying mullet" for sure.

by lalonghorn on Jan 19, 2007 5:57 PM CST reply actions