Derek Wacker Season 2024

Before Nebraska (Yutan HS)
Derek Wacker was a two-way standout for Yutan High School before joining Nebraska. He helped the Chieftans to the state playoffs each season of his career and totaled 173 career tackles with nine sacks.

As a senior, Wacker helped Coach Dan Krajicek’s team to a 9-3 record and state semifinal appearance. He rushed for 988 yards and 13 touchdowns, with five 100-yard rushing games. He added 52 tackles, four tackles for loss and an interception on defense. Wacker earned first-team Class C-2 honors as a linebacker by both the Lincoln Journal Star and the Omaha World-Herald.

As a junior, Wacker helped Yutan to a state playoff appearance with six touchdowns, including three rushing scores and three receiving touchdowns. He was an honorable-mention all-state choice for his performance. Wacker totaled 68 tackles as a sophomore and was part of a state runner-up team as a freshman.

Wacker also excelled in track and wrestling at Yutan. As a senior, he won the Class C discus title with a throw of 167-4 and competed in the 4x100m relay. As a junior, Wacker was the Class C state runner-up in wrestling at 182 pounds, and he placed fifth in the discus at the state meet and was part of a 4x100 relay that finished sixth.