Derek Wacker was a two-way standout for Yutan High School. 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 excels in track and wrestling at Yutan. He was the Class C state runner-up at 182 pounds as a junior, and he placed fifth in the discus at the state meet and was part of a 4x100 relay that finished sixth in the state.