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HBCU Football: Top 10 undrafted NFL free agent signees in 2021

By Dante Pryor

TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 5: Defensive back Bryan Mills #22 of the North Carolina Central Eagles makes a tackle on wide receiver Marcus Williams #80 of the Florida A&M Rattlers after a catch during the game at Bragg Memorial Stadium Stadium on October 5, 2019 in Tallahassee, Florida. The Rattlers defeated the Eagles 28-21. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 5: Defensive back Bryan Mills #22 of the North Carolina Central Eagles makes a tackle on wide receiver Marcus Williams #80 of the Florida A&M Rattlers after a catch during the game at Bragg Memorial Stadium Stadium on October 5, 2019 in Tallahassee, Florida. The Rattlers defeated the Eagles 28-21. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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Delaware defenders (from left) Jordan Morris, Noah Plack, and Andrew Pawlowski move for Delaware State ball carrier Sy’veon Wilkerson as he gets help from Matthew Derks (left) and Rodrigo Escobar in the first quarter of the Blue Hens’ 34-14 win at Alumni Stadium in Dover Saturday, April 10, 2021.Ud V
Delaware defenders (from left) Jordan Morris, Noah Plack, and Andrew Pawlowski move for Delaware State ball carrier Sy’veon Wilkerson as he gets help from Matthew Derks (left) and Rodrigo Escobar in the first quarter of the Blue Hens’ 34-14 win at Alumni Stadium in Dover Saturday, April 10, 2021.Ud V /

7. Matthew Derks, OG, Delaware State (CFL)

Delaware State offensive guard Matthew Derks returns to his native Canada after being drafted in the sixth-round (49th overall) of the Canadian Football League draft. Though Derks was drafted, the Ontario native won’t be joining the Ottawa Redblacks this fall.

Derks has one year of eligibility left and plans to finish his degree and play for the Hornets.

“I plan to stay in school to complete my graduate studies and play in the 2021 fall season,” he said. “Ottawa will retain my professional playing rights, and I hope to join the Redblacks next year.”

Derks has been an anchor on the Delaware State offensive line for the past three seasons. During that time, the Hornets have averaged 187.9 yards rushing (2018), 140.8 yards rushing (2019), and 152 yards rushing per game this spring.

Delaware State is no stranger to recruiting players from our neighbors to the north. In the early 90s, Dean Noel and Thane Watkins were standouts for the Hornets. Both played in the CFL after playing at Delaware State.

Currently, there are four Canadians on the roster at Delaware State. Sophomores Thomas Bertrand-Hudson and Michael-Chris Ike, and Olivier Muembi were on the Hornets’ spring roster.

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