Recruiting Report: Derrick Cannon Jr. (2018)

Derrick Cannon Jr. wasn’t fully satisfied with his junior season. The Plainview-Elgin-Millville athlete made an impact in all three phases for the Bulldogs, scoring nine total touchdowns, including two kick return scores, with 23 tackles and one interception on defense. He earned recognition from the Southeast District coaches as well as the Rochester Post Bulletin, but Cannon and the Bulldogs finished with a 3-6 record – below the traditional standards of the PEM program. “The team goal is always to make it to state, but we just have to win one game at a time,” said Cannon via email. “Individually, with only one interception last year, I really want to times that by eight or 10 this year.” Cannon’s already one of the fastest players in southern Minnesota. His achievements and elite speed aren’t stopping the 5-foot-10, 160-pound athletic from trying to become faster in multiple ways this offseason. “Not just physically faster mentally faster,” said Cannon, who’s also posted a 35.5-inch vertical jump to illustrate his explosiveness. “I want to be able to react faster so I can be in the right position to make a play.” Cannon, who also enjoys spending time with his family, was an important part of the Bulldogs track and field team that won a Class A state championship last month. He individually placed in the top six in both the 100-meter and 200-meter sprints and was also a member of the 4x100-meter relay team that finished second. PEM football coach Kevin Lamb said Cannon was encouraged to run track as early as his freshman year and finally gave in to Lamb and wide receivers/defensive backs coach Adam Olig, who runs the Bulldogs track and field program. “We knew this would help him as a football player,” said Lamb via email. “Derrick eventually came to understand the value. It’s helped push him in his training because he loves to improve and compete for championships." Cannon picked up his first Division II offer from Bemidji State at the end of June. He said he’s also been in frequent contact with other Division II schools and a few Football Championship Subdivision programs in the upper Midwest. “I’ve visited the University of North Dakota, Minnesota State University-Moorhead and Winona State University,” said Cannon via email. “I’m being recruited for both wide receiver and defensive back.” Cannon said attending a school that offers either physical therapy or athletic training as a major was important. A high graduation rate was also a priority, as was a football program with a winning culture and a passionate fan base. Before he works out his college plans, Cannon has work to do at PEM. Lamb said he expects this season to be extra challenging for Cannon, because he’s a “known commodity” to the Bulldogs’ opponents. Lamb also said the coaching staff will have to get creative in how they use Cannon on offense, defense and special teams. “He will get to compete against [opponents] best perimeter players,” Lamb said. “I am excited to see him rise to the challenges of the new season and lead our team with his calm and competitive spirit.”