By Blake Chadwick
Being a Derby alum, defensive backs coach Eric Hendrick knows what it means to proudly be a Panther, while also making sure his players understand it, as well.
Hendrick, who was an all-conference linebacker at Pittsburg State had some plans to coach but chose against it originally after his playing days were finished. But come 2011, Hendrick joined the Derby staff and the rest has been history.
“I had an opportunity to coach college football and I decided against it,” Hendrick said. “Years later, high school football actually found me. I quickly realized that high school football was where I needed to be. It allowed me to pursue a passion of mine – mentoring kids. Coaching football has given me the opportunity to share with kids what was given to me as a youth and high school athlete.”
After falling in the state championship game last November to Gardner-Edgerton, the Panthers have every intention of returning. They’ll be led by a stout secondary.
“This 2024 Derby Panthers football team has the potential to be very special,” Hendrick said. “This DB unit has the potential to be the one of the best, if not the best group as a whole, that I have coached since I’ve been here.”
The Panthers return three starters in Martel Jackson, who committed to play cornerback at Kansas State, along with Jimmy Middlebrook, who had 90 tackles last season and Easton Splane, who had 70 tackles while also playing quarterback in a few games.
For years, the defensive backs have been named the “cheetahs,” a nickname given to them by Hendrick because it embodies an aggressive play style.
“I heard a college coach refer to his cornerbacks as cheetahs,” Hendrick said. “ When I thought about it, many similarities came to mind. Cheetahs are fast, agile, aggressive and explosive animals. Those are all qualities that make a good corner. Lots of time cheetah hunts alone, which corners typically do every play.“
With loads of talent all over the field, especially in the secondary. Don’t be surprised if the “cheetahs” cause a lot of headaches for opposing teams this year.
