One of the toughest players on the team, Derrian is the type of team leader and worker who must be on the field...after two seasons of gaining the hard yardage at fullback, he has moved to the defense and is scheduled to start at the Bandit outside linebacker position...his experience should solidify the position...really important member of the squad, and will also fill a spot on all of the special teams...had shoulder surgery before Spring drills, and didn't participate in team work until the final week...selected as a team captain for the 2009 season...a fifth-year season who will play a key role in his fourth season on the field...after starting his career in the defensive secondary, he moved to fullback and earned the starting assignment in 2007 with his combination of strength and quickness...one of the most dependable players on the squad...a solid and effective blocker...among the most consistent players on the roster, and also one of the hardest workers...a real team leader...has excellent acceleration and side-to-side quickness...smart football player who studies the game...also plays a big role on all of Tech's special teams...has earned the trust of the coaching staff...has natural vision of the field.

AT TECH - (In 2008): Derrian was a starter in the backfield in nine of the 12 games, and saw extensive action in every game...was among the team's top ball carrying threats as well as a solid blocking back...had 50 carries for 181 yards and two touchdowns...also caught 18 passes for 105 yards and returned one kickoff...rushed 10 times for 45 hard yards in nationally televised come-from-behind victory at Southeast Missouri, and scored two touchdowns...also caught three passes at SEMO for 28 yards, giving him 73 all-purpose yards on ESPNU...had eight totes for 25 yards against UT Martin...finished the season with season-best 49 yards on seven carries against Eastern Illinois...also caught three passes for 32 yards against the Panthers, finishing with career-best 81 all-purpose yards...lined up some on the defensive side, in a glimpse of what would come in 2009, and made three total tackles, including two at Austin Peay....finished the year with 297 all-purpose yards, four more than the year before.

(In 2007): Derrian developed into the starter at fullback for the Golden Eagles, playing in all 11 contests and starting nine...ranked fourth on the team in rushing with 157 yards and one touchdown on 36 attempts...averaged 4.4 yards per carry...also a valuable receiver...caught 10 passes for 85 yards, including two touchdowns...rushed for 36 yards on seven totes vs. Concordia...had 30 yards on eight tries against Cumberland, and finished the year with 29 rushing yards in five carries at Eastern Kentucky...his biggest game was at Auburn when he caught three passes for 65 yards...also returned five kickoffs for 51 yards...finished the year fifth on the team with 293 all-purpose yards.

(In 2006): Was a reserve tailback for the Golden Eagles and didn't post any statistics.

(In 2005): Derrian spent his first season as a Golden Eagle in the redshirt program.

HIGH SCHOOL: Derrian lettered four years for coach Tim Johnson while playing linebacker and runningback at Franklin High School…also lettered one year as an outfielder on the Rebels baseball team, and earned one letter in wrestling…his football career netted him all-region, all-county and all-state honors…team captain and regional MVP while helping to claim district and region crowns and reaching the state finals…rushed for 1,600 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior in helping construct a 13-2 record…also completed 12-of-18 pass attempts for 399 yards and eight touchdowns…rushed for 2,500 career yards and 29 TDs.

PERSONAL: The son of Orlando and Deborah Waters…born March 18, 1987 in Frankin …full name is Derrian Montae` Waters…enrolled as a business major.