Derrick Youngblood is a 6’4″, 195 pound, 4 -star wide receiver out of Dutchtown High School in Geismar, Louisiana. Youngblood uses his towering size to be an aggressive blocker, bullying defenders with his physical size and technique. He also has excellent hands and body control, boxing out defenders and high pointing the football on contested passes with his 30′ vertical. Another highlight of Youngblood’s game is his route running and field vision that causes separation on smaller speedier defenders. He is not only smart on the field but in the classroom as well maintaining a 3.7 GPA. Youngblood is looking forward to splitting time between tight-end and receiver this year, further proving his physicality and versatility on the field.
Check out Derrick HERE:
When did you first get involved in football?
At 4 years old in peewee football, I’ve been playing ever since.
What was your first position?
Quarterback until 8th grade, I hit a growth spurt and my middle school coach put me as a receiver. Seventh grade year I was short and chubby, and I probably went from 5’8 to 6’2.
What is your favorite part playing receiver?
I find it an easy position to play, honestly. You get the block, cornerbacks who don’t want to tackle and you get to manhandle them. And then you get to score touchdowns.
What about blocking do you like?
Our offense, at Dutchtown, is mostly run, so I have to take pride in blocking. It’s exciting to pancake the cornerback or blindside a linebacker.
What are three word that you would use to describe yourself on the field?
Physical, high IQ, and aggressive receiver. Like a deep threat receiver.
Who do you look to for inspiration?
Jerry Rice, I’m not the fastest receiver. When you look back at Jerry Rice’s 40 time, he was a full seven receiver who was a great route runner. I know that my speed is not my advantage, but route running can make up for that speed. And he had great hands.
What has football taught you?
Football teaches you a lot of things, responsibilities in your life. Football carries on to your everyday life, with having a job, waking up early in the morning, and making work outs. Pretty much everything. Building a bond with a team.
What is an example of that team bond?
We’ve had a lot of hurricanes recently, a lot of cancellations of practice and on a Saturday or Sunday we’ll plan in our group chat to have our own practice.
What have you been working to improve?
Route running, a lot. Over quarantine I mainly focused on route running. I would watch receiver school videos on Instagram and do those drills. Footwork drills, quick speed drills.
What are your goals for this season?
Win state. Personally, I’d love to have offers. But overall, I want our team to win state and have that team success. If that comes, I believe personal success will come.
What do you see as your greatest strength?
I’m a big target. Not many DB’s are matched with a 6’4 195-pound receiver. That size plus with my physicality provides a big mismatch.
Do you play any other positions?
This year I’m playing receiver and TE. I’ll be rotating in TE a lot. I like both, I find TE more fun because I get to hit a lot more and I’m lined up with linebackers. Receiver is also fun, it’s just fun to play.
How have you prepared for your senior season with the challenges that have come in the past few months?
Just hope, basically, and hard work by me and with teammates. I have a gym at my house, so I’ll bring friends over to work out with me. And just having hope and faith.
