2025 PFN Player Spotlight: Getting to Know Minersville Battlin’ Miners RB/WR/LB-Derek Derenzo
Tagged under: District 11, News, Player Previews
Daniel Reed | June 6, 2025
Derek Derenzo
Minersville Battlin’ Miners
Class Of: 27
Position(s): RB/WR/LB
Jersey Number: #12
Ht: 5’9 – Wt: 175lbs
Other Sports: None at the moment
Notable Awards or Recognitions: Iron Miner
Twitter: @DDerenzo12
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Coach Says: Derek is a true leader on an off the field. He has been a huge impact in the weight room and during the offseason. Incredibly hard worker who can play multiple positions. Tough, athletic, super high football IQ. Will be a leader on both sides of the ball this year and someone we are counting on to make big time plays.
GETTING TO KNOW MORE ABOUT DEREK:
What is the best part of being a student-athlete for the Battlin’ Miners ?
The coaches and players everyone around me.
Why do you play football ?
Love hitting people.
How long have you been playing football(any level) ?
This is my 11th year.
It’s GameDay !! What are you looking forward to the most ?
The crowd pop after a big play.
Of all the road games you have played, which stadium had the best overall atmosphere, along with what made it so good ?
Schuylkill Haven and its a rivalry.
If the game is on the line, do you want to be on offense or defense ? Explain:
Defense, always been a defensive guy and I know Coach will put us in the perfect position.
As an athlete, what has been your biggest achievement ?
Winning Iron Miner my Sophomore year.
What was the high point of the 2024 season ?
Returning from injury vs Nativity and getting an interception.
What are your goals for the 2025 season ?
1,000 total offensive yards and 100 tackles.
What are you going to miss the most from the class of 2025 ?
The Seniors and the connection we had together.
Who is your mentor, the person you want to be like the most, and why ?
Ryan Switzer, he is a good idol, to me, the reason I started playing.
Who is your favorite sports star and why ?
Drake Maye, I am a big UNC guy.
Do you have a favorite play you remember the most ? Explain:
Catching a pitch vs Mahanoy Area and taking it to the house for my first varsity touchdown.
Who is the best player(s) you have ever lined up against and what team did they play for ?
Noah Dolbin, Nativity, going to West Point.
What stadium, (HS/College/Pro) would you love to visit for a game ?
Kenan Memorial Stadium, Chapel Hill
What is your favorite Pro Sports team(any sport) ? Explain:
Eagles all day, loved Desean Jackson and LeSean McCoy.
What game, yours, college or pro, was your favorite game you watched and why ?
UNC vs Duke 2023 OT win.
What sports movie could you watch every day if you had to pick one, and why ?
Remember The Titans, such a good story in that movie.
Name one thing you’d love to do in football that may never happen ?
Break a record.
Name a sport you’d love to play but can’t:
Baseball
What is your most embarrassing sports moment ?
Breaking my ankle going to get a play call from Coach Frantz.
When you aren’t playing, practicing, or training for sports, what is your go to activity, and why ?
Golfing, its always a good time with your buddies.
Which one, Sheetz, Wawa, or Rutters ? Explain:
Rutters, so underappreciated and the food is so good.
What is your favorite vacation destination ?
Myrtle Beach
If you were handed a lot of money, what would be the first thing you would do with it ?
Give it to my dad so it’s managed in a smart way.
Tell us something that you have a fear of ?
Planes
Favorite Fast Food/Burger place and why ?
McDonalds, can’t go wrong with a $5 meal deal.
Have you ever been to a professional sports game, which ones ?
Eagles vs Raiders at the Linc in 2017.
NBA, NHL, MLB, NCAAF, NFL, Which league is the best and why ?
NCAAF, the NFL is getting soft and traditions and the atmosphere of a college game is unbeatable.
What is your favorite video game, on mobile and or console ?
GTA V
What toppings go on your favorite pizza ?
Plain cheese pizza
Favorite School Subject ?
English
Favorite Band/Musician ?
Slipknot
Airplane, Boat, or Vehicle(motorcycles included), how would you travel and to where ?
Boat to Italy
Name one thing in life(NOT SPORTS RELATED) you would like to achieve:
Metal of Honor
Location you think would be the best place to live(ie: island, mountains, city, etc) ? Explain why:
Mountains by myself, so I can’t be bothered.
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