Football Player Profile: Derek Spearman, Safety
Derek Spearman Jr.
Safety
6'4" 215-Pounds
Cornelius, North Carolina
The Loomis Chaffe School
Evaluation:
The first noticeable trait about Spearman is his imposing presence. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, he boasts an 81-inch wingspan, along with a 4.48 forty-yard dash. His combination of size, length, speed and quickness is rare. Spearman shows vast closing speed, covers a tremendous amount of ground and possesses enticing versatility. Listed as safety, the North Carolina native is adept to play either the free or strong spot, cornerback, linebacker and he also played special teams. His man coverage was impressive at The Loomis Chaffe School, allowing just three completions in 2021, on 23 pass attempts. In addition, Spearman is a reliable open-field tackler and demonstrates sound technique. This is a cornerstone player and a big coup as the first recruit under the Jim Mora era for UConn. While it remains to be seen how he’ll be employed, his skill-set seems to best fit as an in the box strong safety, who can develop into an enforcer-type defender hovering the middle of the field for the Huskies. With his frame, Spearman looks ready to be an immediate impact player.
EXCLUSIVE: One-on-one interview with Derek Spearman Jr.
Background:
Verbal commitment on 12/5. Expected to officially sign on 12/15. Verbal commitment on 12/5. Lengthy defensive back with range who can serve as anchor of secondary. Chose UConn over Miami (FL), Nebraska, Purdue, Memphis, FAU, FIU, Southern Miss, UAB, UMass, Georgetown, Brown, Columbia, Dartmouth, Penn. Originally committed to Princeton. Plans on enrolling early. Played at Loomis Chaffe School in Windsor, CT. Viewed as a three-star prospect by recruiting services.
High School:
Finished his high school career playing for head coach Jeff Moore at the Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Conn. In his senior year, Spearman Jr. was a part of the No. 1 defense in New England … Earned an All-Founders Second Team defensive selection and helped Loomis to a 9-1 overall record, including a win over Milton Academy in the Todd Marble Bowl.
Personal:
Father Derek Spearman and mother Jacquie Spearman.
After an amazing OV, I am excited to announce my commitment to @UConnFootball‼️ I will be an early enrollee, and want to thank the schools that recruited me. Special thanks to my coaches supporting me 💙 🤍 #Bl22dBlue @UConnCoachMora
— Derek Spearman (@derek_spearman2) December 6, 2021
@CoachDHilliard @UConnHuskies@CoachJeffMoore pic.twitter.com/RSazMVa8g1
Wednesday Dec. 15th @ 6:30PM I will be signing my National Letter of Intent to further my academic & athletic career at the University of Connecticut at The Loomis Chaffee Schools Burton Room‼️ #Bl22dBlue @UConnFootball @UConnCoachMora @CoachDHilliard
— Derek Spearman (@derek_spearman2) December 12, 2021
