Senior Tributes: Derek Day

Derek Day went from walk-on to special teams mainstay to an eventual starter in a matter of a couple years. The official Penn State website lists Day at 5-9 but I think that's even a bit of an exaggeration. What he lacks in size though, he makes up for with toughness and hard work, both traits coach Bill O'Brien said he appreciates. In 2010 Day worked his way on to the special teams where he recorded 9 tackles. In 2011 Day continued his excellent special teams work recording 8 tackles and forcing a fumble and was awarded a scholarship for his effort. Coming into 2012 Day found himself at the No. 3 running back position at the start of the season but with the transfer of Silas Redd and an injury to Bill Belton, Day got his first start against Virginia. Unfortunately for Day he would end up injured and found himself passed over by fellow running back Zach Zwinak.

His career totals don't exactly land him anywhere in the record books but sometimes it's more than numbers that make a good player and a solid teammate. Day was the kind of guy that would do anything for the team. Known as one of the squad's toughest competitors Day took on any job, even if it was without his helmet.

(via ESPN)

Day saw action in five games this season but it's all the hard work on the practice field be it lining up on the practice squad or leading the special teams that Day will be remembered for. The former Central Dauphin High School standout is on schedule to graduate in December.

Thank you, Derek.

Follow @BSDtweet on Twitter
And join us on Facebook
All BSD community members should review our current Posting & Commenting Policies before creating any posts or commenting.