Derek Heyden Bio
7/20/2009 4:28:00 AM | General
JUNIOR (2010): Started in every game for the second straight year... played in every game for the Eagles in three-year career... second among Eagles in tackles with 98 total (62U, 36A)... had solo tackle to prevent SSU first down in season opener... one of four GSU defenders with six tackles (6A) against Midshipmen... thwarted Coastal threat in second quarter by intercepting Zach MacDowell pass to put ball back in Eagles' hands and GS touchdown on subsequent drive... interception was first of his career... lead team in tackles on five occasions and tied previous career best with eight tackles against Elon... registered seven tackles against Wofford, including three tackles for loss... nine tackles against The Citadel to lead Georgia Southern for second-straight game after recording team-high 12 against Chattanooga the week before... tied Brent Russell for leaderboard on tackles against Samford with eight each... also had a tackle for loss in that game... shared team lead with Russell again with six tackles against Appalachian State... forced critical fumble in fourth quarter of Furman game as Eagles recovered and would score gamewinning touchdown on their next drive...recorded two tackles for loss against Paladins... had six tackles at William & Mary... solid coverage in Wofford playoff game prevented a Terrier touchdown in the third quarter.
SOPHOMORE (2009): One of two Eagle defensive returners to start all 11 games... recorded third-highest unassisted tackles among the Eagles with 33... fifth on the list with 55 total tackles... tied career-best with eight tackles in South Dakota State game... also tied mark with six unassisted tackles, two assists for eight total at Wofford... posted one tackle for loss against Terriers... had six tackles, all in the first quarter, at UNC (5UA, 1A)... scooped up a Appalachian State fumble and raced 38 yards for his first collegiate touchdown... had six tackles in opener vs. Albany... posted back-to-back games with five tackles at Samford and vs. Furman.
FRESHMAN (2008): SoCon All-Freshman Team... played in all 11 games as a true-freshman... started at free safety against Austin Peay, Wofford, Chattanooga, Appalachian State, Citadel and Samford... opened his collegiate career with an assisted tackle at Georgia... in his first start made four tackles and broke up a pass against Austin Peay... two stops against Northeastern... season-high eight tackles against Wofford... seven tackles in the win at Chattanooga... five tackles versus App State... two stops at Western Carolina... made five in the triple-overtime win at The Citadel... solo stop against Samford and Furman... also displayed writing skills as he wrote a guest blog for SouthernPigskin.com and GeorgiaSouthernEagles.com.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played on both offense (running back) and defense (secondary) for Marist HS... recorded 512 yards on 72 carries (7.1 yards per carry) with nine touchdowns... caught seven passes for 106 yards and averaged 18 yards on seven kickoff returns... on the defensive end recorded 50 tackles, five pass break-ups and two interceptions... continues long line of football recruits from Marist, including former Eagle Chris Ashkouti... missed most of his junior year with a broken ankle... named First Team All-County... selected Most Valuable Back at Marist.
PERSONAL: Born July 5, 1989 in Minnesota... No. 1 sports highlight was against Washington scoring a 20-yard touchdown to send it into overtime then scoring the game-winning TD... his dad has been a major influence, "He has taught me everything I know growing up and has been at every one of my sporting events, always pushing me to get better."... lists favorite professional teams as Atlanta Falcons, Braves and Hawks... favorite music groups are: 3 Doors Down, Young Jeezy and Akon... son of Mike and Lori Heyden.
MAJOR: Business Management.
