Through the season’s first eight games, Wall has quickly shown to be one of the team’s top pass catchers with his sure hands and his uncanny ability to get open. He has caught 14 passes for 163 yards and made long touchdown grabs against Central Oklahoma and Panhandle State.
On both of his TD catches, Wall ran wide open uncovered into the opponents’ secondary. While the plays may have appeared as a busted coverage, Wall and the Bulldogs have specifically designed hide-and-seek plays that have given defenses fits all year.
“I don’t know if it they forgot abut me or not, but we run that play a lot.” Wall said. “We run so many players on routes we can disguise someone who can like suddenly appear later. Thankfully, the quarterback found me each time and I was lucky enough to get in the endzone.”
Wall’s decision to come to SWOSU was an easy one as he followed his older brother, Dustin, who already was a star defensive back for the Bulldogs having twice earned all-conference honors.
Derek spent his first year as a redshirt learning the plays and working out. He added 10 pounds to his 180-pound frame and began lifting and extra 20-30 pounds in the weight room.
“I knew I wasn’t ready to play college ball when I got here,” Wall said. “The extra year gave me a chance to develop both physically and mentally so I can contribute now.”
Wall’s improved play has been an instrumental part of an offense that has began to find its footing after a slippery start. SWOSU has averaged nearly 250 yards passing in its last three games while scoring 20 or more points in two of the three outings.
Still Wall is not satisfied with those numbers focusing on the team’s victory total which stands at one after eight games.
“Everybody likes to score or make big plays, but I’d trade all my touchdowns for wins if I could.” Wall said. “Until then, I’ll just continue to work my tail off in practice and know that better things are coming our way.”
