- Name: Derrek Guenther
- Position(s): RB/OLB (ATH/QB)
- Height & Weight: 5’10” 210 lbs.
- Jersey #5
- School & Class: William Tennent 2026
- Hudl Link: Derrek Guenther
- Favorite NFL team: Eagles
- Quote from the head coach: “Our true Swiss Army knife. His versatility is absolutely incredible it's a great situation for any coach. He can seamlessly transition between positions, making an impact wherever we put him. Derrek's football IQ and athleticism shine through. He's going to be a dynamic force all over the field, and I'm excited for everyone to see what he brings to the table this season.”
On-Field Focus
What’s your proudest moment on the football field for Tennent this season or in your career?
“Proudest moment of this season is seeing how the positivity in the team this season has really grown onto everybody as it keeps us excelling and excuting on offense and defense the way we need to.”
Describe a play where you made a game-changing impact. What was going through your mind?
“That has to be when I was at quaterback against Carrol week one of last year and I kept the ball on a speed option to get us 20+ yards while also setting us up with great feild position to take the lead. During the play I noticed they seemed stressed on the option play feeling how tense the situation was I locked my eyes on the outside linebacker noticing there was a place to cutback and it worked fantastically knowing it could shift the moment to us.”
What’s the toughest part of playing multiple positions, and how do you prepare for it?
“The hardest part about playing multiple positions is the mental portion of things to me getting the plays down and watching film for my position is the biggest key to it, physically it hasn't been much of a problem as I keep working as hard as I can to compete at multiple positions.”
Which NFL player do you model your game after, and what do you admire about them?
“A player that I model my game truly after is a mix between Jalen Hurts and Ed Reed for offense I admire a Jalen Hurts' poise and leadership, he never seems too flustered when losing and always speaks up when its needed. For defense it is Ed Reed because my dad would always talk about his game and show me clips where he would ball hawk but when needed he would come down to make thunderous hits being diverse in both pass and run game.”
What’s a drill or skill you’re grinding to perfect before the season?
“A skill I am griding this year has been them all but the biggest thing is tackling.
Personal Story
How did you start playing football, and what keeps you passionate about it?
“I started playing football after BEGGING my dad to let me play my first year in second grade at the Warminster Pioneers where I started as a center always playing different positions here and there. The thing that keeps me most passionate about football is how it fully affected my life more than just on the feild while also helping me build goals for myself.”
Who’s been your biggest supporter (e.g., coach, family, teammate) in your football journey?
“My biggest supporters have to be my mom and dad they have been with me since the first day ever and my mom has always been there for me after a loss, a great win even through a injury. While my dad has previously coached me whilst also trying to be a good dad to me which I am very grateful to have and have went through many trials with him throughout my whole football journey constantly giving me tips for improvement always striving for perfection.”
What’s a challenge you’ve overcome—on the field or off—that’s made you a better player or person?
“The biggest challenge that I have had to deal with was the adversity of being a starting sophmore quaterback and additionally my achillies tear in this past season. Being a sophmore quaterback wasn't easy at all feeling like you need to prove yourself anytime you are on the feild isn't something to look over, having many expectations were very hard but putting my head down and grinding helped me get some success. ”
How does playing in the Suburban One League shape your experience as a high school athlete?
“Playing in the Suburban One league amplifies the way you experience high school football by having great atmosphere and great competition. Yes, it can get chippy but its all love for the game.”
Football Flair
What’s your pre-game ritual or superstition to get in the zone?
“My pre game ritual is always listening to music and calming myself trying to lock in before a big game controlling the adrenaline.”
Future and Goals
What’s your biggest goal for this season with Tennent?
“To make the District Playoffs and hopefully win or compete for the league title.”
Where do you see yourself in football or life five years from now?
“In five years from now I see myself hopefully playing in a professional football league anywhere it doesn't matter or coaching football at a high level.”
Team and League Pride
Who’s an under-the-radar teammate who deserves more shine, and why?
“An under the radar teammate that deserves more shine is Dan Minetola because he has done nothing but sky rocketed this season being a weight room monster and always putting in that work.”
What’s the loudest or most memorable crowd moment you’ve experienced in a game?
“The loudest crowd I've experienced was at the homecoming game last season when I scored my second touchdown against Wissahickon to take the lead during the homecoming game.”