Derek Ross was the South Carolina Offensive Player of the Year and an All-state selection at quarterback, registering 1,671 passing yards, 11 passing touchdowns, 1,267 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns.
13 Facts About Derek Ross
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Derek Ross was arrested four times during his high school career.
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Derek Ross blocked 3 punts on special teams, including one against Shane Lechler in the 1999 Sugar Bowl, that was returned by Kevin Griffin for a touchdown.
4.
Derek Ross earned his first start in the 2001 Outback Bowl against the University of South Carolina.
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Derek Ross started 10 games at cornerback, playing the season with a sprained AC joint and a broken bone in his shoulder.
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Derek Ross led the Big Ten Conference with 7 interceptions, while tallying 194 interception return yards, 13 passes defensed, 41 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one touchdown.
7.
Derek Ross declared for the NFL draft before his senior season.
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Derek Ross finished his college career with 217 interception return yards, 91 tackles, 9 interceptions, 20 passes defensed and 3 blocked punts.
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Derek Ross was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 2002 NFL draft, after dropping because of character concerns.
10.
Derek Ross earned his first start at left cornerback in the fourth game against the St Louis Rams, replacing an injured Duane Hawthorne.
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Derek Ross was considered a rising player after starting 9 games and leading all rookies with 5 interceptions, which was the most by a Cowboys rookie since Everson Walls registered 11 interceptions in 1981.
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Derek Ross missed the final 2 games with a hip contusion.
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Derek Ross had 12 passes defensed and 67 tackles.