Derek Marks: Defensive end – Belgrade High School – Belgrade, MT
The Numbers: As a junior, the 6-foot-3 230-pound Marks was a Class A first-team All-State selection on both sides of the ball. He caught 11 passes for 214 yards and three touchdowns, while notching 28 tackles including seven sacks and an interception. As a senior, Marks had five receptions for 100 yards and 3 touchdowns. Defensively he notched 58 tackles, 8.5 sacks and a blocked field goal.
Accolades: Despite receiving some early interest from Big XII (Oklahoma, Missouri) and Pac 12 schools (Stanford) for his prowess as a track and field standout javelin thrower, the current Panthers defensive end will continue to play football for Montana State. Since giving his verbal commitment to Montana State’s coaching staff during his junior season in 2014, his recruitment on the gridiron has picked up as well. He received an offer from the University of Montana. He received an invite to Washington State’s individual camp. He accepted invitations and attended camps at Washington and Oregon. He’s received pretty serious interest from the Huskies and Wyoming.
Academics: Aerospace Engineering
Marks on Montana State: “I’m definitely playing football in college and I definitely want to be a Bobcat. It was an easy choice. I talked about it with (MSU redshirt-freshman safety and former Belgrade standout safety) Brayden (Konkol) all the time, playing college football together forever since we were freshmen and up. Playing college football has always been a big goal and I’ve always been a Bobcat fan.”
Film: Derek Marks highlights
Coach Choate on Marks: “Derek is a local kid that was going to be a Bobcat regardless. He’s another really, really smart kid. I love this kid. He exudes blue and gold when you are around him. He is that Montana glue kid you have to have that is going to make everyone realize what a special place this is. And he’s a dang good football player. He was dominant on the defensive line for Belgrade. Another guy who was at our camp at Washington and I got a chance to work with him there. I’m excited to have him on our roster.”
Story on Marks’ commitment: Belgrade’s Derek Marks commits to Montana State
