Alumni Spotlight Series: Derek Kerstetter, UT Football

July 22, 2020

 

Derek Kerstetter, Reagan Class of 2017, is entering his senior year as a starting Offensive Lineman for the University of Texas Longhorns.  Kerstetter garnered a slew of honors at Reagan, including three-time All-District honors, Academic All-State, Express News All-Area Team, 2016 Dave Campbell’s Super Team, and 2017 Army All-American Bowl participant, to name a few.

We caught up with Kerstetter to see how he’s faring during the pandemic as a student-athlete at UT and how his time at Reagan influenced his collegiate career.

Q: What is your classification at school and your current major?
A: I’m a senior Corporate Communications major.

Q: What has been your most exciting moment playing college sports?
A: Winning the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio! (7-5 Longhorns beat the 11-2 Utah Utes 38-10 in the 2019 match-up)

Q: What would you say is the biggest difference between playing high school and collegiate sports?
A: In college you must be very good at managing your time with school and constantly flying and staying at hotels during the season.

Q: Who was your favorite coach at Reagan and why?
A: Coach “Ham” (Lyndon Hamilton) and Coach Phil Steinert as they were both awesome influences to me and (are) great men.

Q: Which Reagan tradition meant the most to you?
A: My favorite tradition was singing the “fight song” after the games as I had much pride in being a Rattler!

Q: What has your experience been like during the COVID-19 shutdown?
A: Covid-19 has caused me to train more at home in San Antonio in my buddy’s garage, who is now also at UT.  He went to O’Connor.  I want to be the best that I can be!

Q: What is your message to current Rattlers about competing at the next level?
A: The most important thing about playing at the next level is to focus on winning in high school and college opportunities will come from that.

Our thanks to Derek for his words of wisdom and sharing his experiences.  Best wishes and good luck with your upcoming season! #HookEm