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| Wednesday, July 16 |
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| Heisman Hopeful: Derek Anderson By Mark Woodworth SchoolSports.com | |||
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Derek Anderson's excitement just bubbles over with each new honor coming his way. First, the Scappoose High (Ore.) quarterback led his team to a Class 3A state title. Then, he was selected to play in the first-ever National High School Football All-Star Game on Dec. 30 in Dallas, Texas. And finally, he has been selected as one of three finalists in the Far West region for the High School Heisman award. Anderson joins Ventura High (Calif.) running back Tyler Ebell and Palisades High (Calif.) quarterback David Koral as the Far West finalists for the Heisman. One winner will be selected from each of the nation's six regions. Anderson's stats speak volumes. In a perfect 13-0 senior season, he threw for 3,608 yards (277.5 per game) and 40 touchdowns against only seven interceptions. In four playoff games, he threw for 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns. A three-year starter at quarterback after playing wide receiver his freshman season, Anderson completed 504 of 821 career passes (61 percent) for 8,172 yards and a whopping 85 touchdowns. Yet, for all his accomplishments, the 6-foot-6, 240-pound Anderson is still flattered by the honors being thrown his way. 'It's an incredible honor. That's cool," says the affable Anderson of being a Heisman finalist. 'When I found out, I was I was amazed." Anderson has always been bigger than most of his peers, to the point where he wasn't allowed to take his size 17 shoes and play quarterback in the eighth grade. But his size hasn't hindered his agility and athleticism. Combine that with a rocket for an arm and he is not only a standout prep performer but the envy of college coaches around the country. "He's always been bigger," says Scappoose head football coach Sean McNabb, who taught Anderson in the fifth grade. "He was always very coordinated, had great agility. He has the ability to move as well. He has escapability." Anderson is modest about his ability, simply acknowledging that he picked up the sport and the position quickly. "I have God-given skills," says Anderson. "When I started throwing the ball around, it came natural. I've had great coaches who really helped." "He's a phenomenal kid, as an athlete and a person," adds McNabb. "He's real coachable, an all-around great person. We've never had a real true blue chip. He's drawn a lot of attention." The result is that Anderson is headed to Oregon State after fending off recruiters from most everywhere, including Florida State. He realizes that the college game will be faster, but after attending numerous top-notch football camps last summer, like the Elite 11 quarterback camp in California, he knows he will be ready to apply his experience with his athleticism. "It's just believing and relying that the decision I make will be the right decision," he explains. "When you see it, throw it. Don't second guess yourself. It's something I've learned over the years." Not surprisingly, Anderson is also a standout basketball player, as well as a shot-putter on the track team. But football is his ticket, his first love, and he now gets to reap the rewards of his success, with his perfect state title season, his High School Heisman nomination and his trip to the All-Star game in Dallas. "It's hard to believe where I'm at," he says with a laugh. "I feel like I'm getting old fast. It's going to be fun. Sometimes I'm just like, 'Wow.'"
Material from SchoolSports.com.Visit their web site at www.schoolsports.com | |
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