2012 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Started 11 games at safety despite battling a recurring injury during the season • tied for third on the team in tackles (74), second on the team in solo tackles (46), second on the team in pass breakups (10) and also made two interceptions • named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week and Bronko Nagurski National Player of the Week after his performance at UNLV. Game-by-Game: Made his first career start at UNLV and recorded two interceptions (first and second of his career) and had team-high eight tackles • made a team-high eight tackles against New Hampshire and a team-high 10 tackles vs. Western Michigan • had six tackles against Syracuse • broke up two passes and made four tackles at Iowa • made one solo stop vs. Northwestern • had eight total tackles and one bass breakup in start at Wisconsin • assisted on one tackle vs. Purdue • made four tackles as reserve vs. Michigan • had two tackles and a game-sealing fumble recovery at Illinois • made five solo tackles at Nebraska • had a career-high 12 tackles vs. Michigan State • made five tackles vs. Texas Tech.
2011 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Appeared in 11 games • recorded eight tackles (three solo, five assisted) in 2011 • earned first varsity letter. Game-by-Game: Appeared in season opener at USC (9/3) and home opener versus New Mexico State (9/10) • notched first career tackle in 29-23 home victory over Miami (Ohio) (9/17) • appeared against North Dakota State (9/24) • tallied an assist in Big Ten opener at Michigan (10/1) • recorded first career solo tackle at Purdue (10/8) • appeared in loss to Nebraska (10/22) • did not see action vs. Iowa (10/29) • assisted on two tackles in 31-24 loss at Michigan State (11/5) • notched two solo tackles vs. Wisconsin (11/12) • appeared at Northwestern (11/19) • garnered one assisted tackle in 27-7 victory over Illinois (11/26).
HIGH SCHOOL: Graduate of Lehigh High School • helped lead his team to a 5-6 record as a senior in 2010 • the Lightning was 7-6 in 2009, beginning the season 0-4 before advancing to the Class 3A Regional finals • two-time second-team all-area selection by the News-Press • took part in the John Carrigan Rotary Classic all-star game • tallied 80 tackles in his senior season • recorded 75 tackles and six interceptions as a junior in 2009 • also a track and field standout, taking part in the 200 and 400-meter dashes • coached by Pete Fominaya.
PERSONAL: Derrick Wells was born July 8, 1993 • son of Edward Wells and Margaret Babb.
