Derek Mortensen finished his career as the all-time leading rusher for the Knox football team. He graduated in 2014 following a fantastic career as a running back.
Derek accumulated 4,016 rushing yards in his career and rushed for a Knox record 43 touchdowns. He holds the high-water marks in average yards per game (97.3), rushing attempts, most games over 100 yards (19), consecutive games over 100 yards, and consecutive games with a rushing touchdown. Derek also set single-season marks for rushing attempts, rushing touchdowns, and most games over 100 yards. Altogether he holds 18 rushing and scoring records and ties for three more.
Derek was first-team All-Midwest Conference in 2012 and 2013 and Honorable Mention in 2011. He was the Harley Knosher Male Athlete of the Year and voted Most Valuable Offensive Player in 2012-13. He was also named Midwest Conference Performer of the Week and Prairie Fire Performer of the Week multiple times. He was awarded the Tom Dean Award, the Most Valuable Player in the Turkey Bowl against Monmouth, in 2012-13 as well. He ran for 154 yards and a pair of touchdowns at Monmouth.
"As being the all-time leading rusher shows, Derek was no doubt one of the best players we have had at Knox," said former head football coach Andy Gibbons. "He was a big back with tremendous vision, strength, power, and was faster than you'd think when looking at him. Derek also had a fantastic will and refused to go down easy."
Derek majored in Philosophy and double minored in Business and Management and Educational Policy. He is currently working as a Public Safety Officer and Firefighter for the Village of Glencoe.
