CFC100 RB/LB Best looks to make “game-changing plays”

Like many athletes, Derek Best of the CFC50 Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers (BCHSFL) – who was ranked among Canada’s top talent in the latest CFC 100 rankings for the Class of 2018 – started playing the game thanks to his father, who would hold him on his lap as they sat and marvelled at what they were witnessing.

“My dad watched football when I was a kid and I wanted to try it. I fell in love after scoring my first touchdown,” he said. ”

Now, 12 years and countless touchdowns later, Best is looking to take his talents to the next level.

One of the many things that makes him a fit for numerous U Sports suitors is his ability to play on both sides of the ball. Whether he will do that at the collegiate level, of course, remains to be seen. Most of his time has been spent at tailback, and he says the ability to turn a game on its head sets him apart.

“I like carrying the ball and being able to make game changing plays,” Best said. “I think my quick acceleration and size gives me an edge as a running back.”

He says he takes his game after a pair of NFL greats in Earl Campbell and Hall-of-Famer Walter Payton, saying, “they were both very powerful backs with speed as well and they always fought for extra yards and didn’t give up on plays.”

The 17-year-old, who has made an official visit to the University of Manitoba, was named the Grade 11 Player of the Year in all of B.C. High School Football in 2016. He says he has enjoyed the recruitment process, saying it “has definitely intensified” over the last number of months heading into his senior year. He didn’t want to provide us with a list of top three preferred U Sports landing spots at this time, but did say university ball is in his future.

The Panthers recently got a chance to head across the border to Washington state and face Lakewood High School in their homecoming game. Best reflects back fondly on that game as his most memorable football moment.

“My most memorable football experience was playing Lakewood Washington in their homecoming and beating them,” he said. “The atmosphere was unlike any other and it was the most hyped game I’ve played in.”

Most U Sports rookies come into the league having been starters at the high school and rep levels; some have a difficult time adjusting to a reduced role on their new team. The 6’1, 205-pound Best says his role doesn’t matter; what matters is winning football games.

“My expectation as a freshman next year is to work as hard as I can and help my team in any way possible even if I’m not starting.”

Speed and elusiveness in the open field are key for a running back, and it’s something the Surrey, B.C. native will be working hard at this off-season. He says that should help him in his adjustment to the outstanding competition of U Sports.

Most youngsters say it’s their parents who have been the most influential people in carving their path to gridiron greatness, but for Best, it’s those he plays alongside that keep him hungry to succeed.

“The most influential people in football for me are my teammates,” he said. “They make me work harder everyday and I love grinding with them.

“Football means everything to me; it has been my life and future since I was a kid.”

 

 Derek Best
RB/LB
6’1, 205

Teams: Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers
Commitment: None
Official Visits: University of Manitoba
Considerations: Open
Class: 2018