(@Derrickpena_07)

Davenport North’s Derrick Pena Derrick Pena 5'11" | 180 lbs | LB Davenport North | 2026 State IA is an interesting prospect who is set to be a key two-way player for the Wildcats. As a junior, Derrick tied for the team lead in rushing yards after racking up 366 yards and five touchdowns on only 64 totes. Derrick is a sturdy running back with a strong 5’11”, 190-pound frame that he can use to absorb and dish out contact. Derrick doesn’t do a lot of dancing around when carrying the ball, instead using his size to go north-south while having the cutback ability and vision to bounce runs to the outside. Pena will also be an important part of the defense as he recorded 45 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, a sack, and a fumble recovery. Derrick is listed as an outside linebacker, but I could also see him playing as a hybrid box safety with his ability to fly downhill to defend the run and effectiveness at covering tight ends and running backs. He plays well near the line of scrimmage, where he can stay right in the action and track down ball carriers before breaking off any big runs.

Pena isn’t among the biggest guys when he steps on the field, but he does rank high in production. As a junior in 2024, Pena rushed for 366 yards and five touchdowns, caught 10 passes for 96 yards, delivered 45.0 tackles (35 solo, 7.5 TFL), a sack and fumble recovery. He even returned a pair of kickoffs. That’s a whole lot of work in the state’s largest classification of schools. Pena is a versatile defender capable of lining up in the box and stuffing the run or setting up in the slot to cover receivers. Sometimes, he comes off of the edge. That toughness and athleticism also plays on offense.