Derek Wildstar
 Wildstar after making a crucial tackle | |
| No. 72 – Retired | |
|---|---|
| Position: | Safety |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | July 07, 2018 (aged 42) Dallas, TX |
| Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight: | 215 lb (98 kg) |
| Username: | Legally Blind Gamer |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Lake Dallas High School |
| College: | Texas A&M |
| ISFL Draft: | S26 / Round: |
| Career history | |
| Roster status: | Retired |
Derek Wildstar (born July 07, 2018) was an American football safety. He played college football for Texas A&M.
Early years
A native of Dallas, Texas, Wildstar attended Lake Dallas High School, where he played the position of safety.
A son to a former All-Star legend, and now a head coach for a Division 1 university, Derek was destined for greatness from the start. Playing catch with his Dad as soon as he could walk, he soon showed some real potential to become a great player one day. From Pee-Wee, to middle school, and on to high school, Derek showed that he meant business, and soon was smashing records at the safety position. He then went on to practice in an invite only summer combine before finally heading on to college.
During his high school career, Wildstar started in the wide receiver position his first season. But ultimately Derek felt like he was not playing to the best of his ability and decided to look elsewhere for a position that made him happy.
After realizing the athleticism that was required of the defensive safety position, and the high level of dedication it too to succeed there, Derek switched to defense his second season, and easily won the starting spot at Free Safety.
By the end of his senior season, Derek's team went on to the State Championship, but their offense was unable to prevail, and they lost to their bitter division rivals 31-17.
College career
After getting a college scholarship to the University of Texas A&M, Derek was well on his way to becoming one of the best signings for the Aggies in quite some time. Derek got to work right away, first in summer 2-a-days, DB camp, rookie camp, and finally full contact training camp. Their long hours preparing for their first college season was rewarded with a starting spot in the UT backfield. Wildstar went on his first 2 seasons with a note worthy 12 interceptions and 160 tackles.
The Texas A&M Aggies were unable to reach the playoffs their 2 seasons Derek was with them, but Wildstar won several conference awards for tackles, interceptions, and the most surprising, sacks.
Derek also won the position of kick returner his second season. With his amazing speed and quick feet he was able to keep the position all season long. Along with their 7 touchdown returns, they also had an impressive 25 years per return.
Then Wildstar had their greatest claim to fame. As the end of their sophomore season was approaching, the Aggies played a game against Baylor University, and near the end of the 4th quarter, the Aggies were down 21-24 trying to create a defensive stand that could get them the ball back with just a couple of minutes to go in the game.
As the Baylor quarterback looked downfield and threw the ball, Derek Wildstar sensed the vector the ball was taking, and whip turned towards that direction and lunged at the wide receiver, knocking the ball from his hands after he had taken possession. Wildstar leaped at the loose ball, which took an unlikely bounce, right back into his hands. Derek broke a tackle and ran the ball all the way back, with their touchdown ultimately winning the game. The play was named "Pounce on that Bounce." and became a viral sensation.
