Garrett proud to grow up a Gator

By Sean Ammerman

Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008 | midnight

Growing up, Derrick Garrett soaked in as much Green Valley High athletics as he could.

His older brother, Kamron Garrett, played football and basketball for the Gators until graduating in 2001, giving his younger brother a taste of high school sports.

Now, as a starting defensive lineman for the Gators football team and in his third year on varsity, Derrick Garrett is enjoying his time in the spotlight.

“I feel closer to the program having grown up with it,” Derrick Garrett said. “I have gotten to see all the seniors come through here and make a difference. Now it is my turn.”

He earned second team All-Southeast Division honors as a sophomore in 2006 but said he had a down year last season and didn’t reach his full potential.

Now as a senior, Garrett thinks this could be his breakout season.

“It’s about laying it all on the line,” he said. “Every play, you never know if this is going to be your last year or not.”

Garrett will get plenty of opportunities to make a difference for the Gators, starting on defense and offense as a fullback and tight end.

His athleticism and conditioning, which allows him to stay energized both ways, is one of his greatest attributes, Green Valley coach Matt Gerber said.

“He doesn’t come off the field too often,” Gerber said. “Derrick is one of the few guys we have who can play a lot of offense and defense. He worked his tail off in the offseason so he can do it.”

In his first two seasons on varsity, Garrett hovered around 6-foot, 200 pounds, but for his senior year, he beefed up to 220 pounds.

The result is a stronger and faster player who is one of the most physically fit players on the team.

“My dad is the main reason for that,” Garrett said. “He is humongous. Being bigger has helped a lot on defense. My strength has helped me get around the bigger linemen quicker.”

Garrett also thanks his older brother for being in what he calls the best shape of his life. The two spent the summer in the gym and do extra training after practices.

“My brother is like another coach for me,” he said. “He has been working hard with me in the weight room, keeping my training up. He has been working with me and what kinds of food to eat, what kinds of workouts to do. As a matter of fact, I’ll be going to the gym with him tonight.”

The extra training is starting to pay off.

In a 24-20 losing effort against Centennial on Sept. 5, he helped lead a Gators defense that kept the team in the game.

Gerber has praised his defense for providing the identity of Green Valley.

“I think overall we came out in the first half a little sloppy,” Gerber said after the team’s 14-13 win against Bonanza on Aug. 29. “Defensively we came back really strong in the second half, and Derrick was a big reason for that.

Sean Ammerman can be reached at 990-2661 or [email protected].