Derek Colman-Brusa on First Year

Derek, how would you assess your first year? You've got, like, nine starts in now. What's been the big eye-opener for you out on the field? How do you feel about the whole thing now that you've got so much experience in it? Yeah, definitely, you know, feeling a lot more confident as the season's gone along. But I think one area of improvement is just finding ways to get around the ball. You know what I mean? I feel I'm doing a good job of, you know, doing my part, doing my job, being in my assignment. Now it's, you know, finding ways to get around the ball more. Are sacks a big thing for you, or is that left-to-the-edge rushers, basically? Well, I mean, in terms of defensive schematics, it's pretty important. I see myself as a pass rusher, and I think I have a good, strong ability to get after the quarterback. A year ago, you were in high school, and the role that you seem to be in, you speak a lot to the media, you've taken on a big role in the defensive line. Typically, we don't see that until guys are in the program for the third and fourth year. Sometimes it can get a little overwhelming because you're not that old and just at your age competing with guys that are 24, 25. I mean, it's tough to, you know, play in the Big Ten Conference early, you know, but I guess my mindset has been, you know, just working as hard as I can and being the best leader while doing that. You know, and that's kudos to, you know, Coach Kafusi and Coach Rush and, you know, their process with me and, you know, ultimately getting me to where I am today. What's been the biggest eye-opener for you, like, on a one-on-one? Is there somebody, like, five or six years older than you that was kind of stunning when you went up against them? I mean, I think the biggest, you know, team in terms of competition was Iowa. I think just their ability to play as one offensive line-wise, you know, and I got some unbelievable reps with some unbelievable players, for sure.