49

Derek Spears

Class: RS Senior Hometown: Osborne, Kan. High School: Osborne HS

Last College: Butler County CC Height / Weight: 6-3 / 230 Position: Tight End

2006 (Jr.): Did not see any action on the year due to an injury.

2005 (So.): Gained experience working with the offensive scout team... Selected by the coaching staff as the offensive scout team player of the week after the season-opener against Florida Atlantic.

2004 (Fr.): A walk-on who worked out as a member of the practice squad.

2003 (Junior College): Redshirted for the national champion Butler County Community College Grizzlies... Coached by Troy Morrell.

High School: A graduate of Osborne HS... Lettered four years in football, wrestling and track... Recorded more than 250 tackles and hauled in over 50 receptions between his sophomore and senior seasons... Named all-league two seasons as a tight end... Qualified for the state championships in wrestling as a senior... Member of the honor roll... Coached in football by Andy Knoll.

Personal: Born in Osborne, Kan... An economics major... Likes to spend time with friends and go snow skiing... Can also cook... Son of Doyle and Lisa Spears... Father played football at KU for Don Fambrough from 1980-82.... Has two brothers and one sister.

Favorites: Best part of football - Teammates, camaraderie, competition; Athlete - John Riggins; Non-Sports Hero - Dad (instilled my work ethic); Movie - Forrest Gump; TV Show - The Office; Food - BBQ; Best thing about KU - The town of Lawrence and the people