The NFL season may have just wrapped up with the Eagles winning the Super Bowl, but the football calendar never stops. The NFL draft is just two months away. One Gulf Coast native is hoping to hear his name called when the league selects its newest members.
Derek McCormick began his athletic career as a soccer player.
“I was just someone who everyone knew had a big leg," McCormick said.
With that big leg, Derek followed in his brothers' footsteps — literally. He switched from soccer to football once he got to Port Charlotte High School. After spending his first two years on JV, McCormick was the Pirates' starting kicker in 2017 and 2018.
“He never was looked at as a kicker," Port Charlotte football head coach Jordan Ingman said. "He was one of the players, and that was something he always strived for.”
After graduating, McCormick had offers to go to bigger colleges, but decided to stay close to home for an opportunity he couldn't pass up.
“It’s just one of those things where I can continue playing football with my brother," McCormick said.
Derek and his older brother Devyn became the legs of Ave Maria football. Devyn was the punter, and Derek was the kicker.
After a successful freshman year in which he was named to the All-Conference team, Derek had his sights set on becoming an All-American.
However, his sophomore season was clouded with family tragedy. Before the season began, Derek's sister died, and his father was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.
“It was rough, to say the least, that season," McCormick said. "I struggled a lot mentally and physically. At the end of the season, I was done with football.”
McCormick thought his football career was over, but then the University of Louisiana Munroe entered the picture. ULM offered spots for both Derek and his brother Devyn — another opportunity he couldn't say no to.
“Not many people get to do that — play football in college with their brother," McCormick said. "I just knew this is what I want to do. I want to continue doing this with him.”
Derek spent three years at ULM before transferring to Indiana for his final collegiate season. In 2024, McCormick helped the Hoosiers make the College Football Playoff.
“It was an incredible ride," McCormick said. "It was awesome.”
McCormick's athletic journey has been long and tumultuous, but his dedication and hard work are now paying off. Derek just declared for the NFL draft.
“I didn’t expect to be here, but I think that’s what makes it so exciting," McCormick said.
McCormick's journey is still going. He is now training every day in Tampa to prepare for the NFL. He has already spoken to some scouts and hopes to hear his name called in a few months.
“It would be a dream come true," McCormick said. "I don’t even know the emotions that will come with it, but I know I’ll be surrounded by my family. I think that’s the most important part.”
The NFL draft runs from April 24-26. Gulf Coast News will keep you updated on McCormick's journey to the league.