Paul Derrick begins his second season working with the Austin Peay secondary.
Derrick arrived last fall prior to season's start, replacing Dainon Sidney, who resigned to pursue other opportunities.
As a result, Derrick, a former Governors wide receiver, had little time to get acquainted with his cornerbacks. That relationship grew as the season progressed-the Govs young secondary improved steadily as the season developed. And that improvement continued into the spring.
In addition, Derrick should be much more a tune to defensive coordinator Granville Eastman's philosophies in his second season.
Derrick's return to Austin Peay was a natural hire. He was a graduate assistant under Christophel during the 2007 season, when he assisted with program's linebackers and ran the scout team.
He left APSU to enter prep coaching, working first at Harding Academy Middle School in 2008 before moving to Father Ryan for two seasons as varsity receivers coach and junior varsity offensive coordinator.
As a Govs' wide receiver, Derrick was a three-year letterman who caught 75 career passes for 942 yards and five TDs, including a career-best 39 receptions as a senior in 2004. Derrick was on the receiving end of 91-yard scoring toss in 2003. He also threw a 25 yard score.
The Nashville native began his football career at Kentucky before transferring to Austin Peay. A quarterback for Kurt Page at Father Ryan, Derrick earned honorable mention all-state as a senior.
He is married to the former Mandy Pettus Buck.
