Derek Sherrod

Derek Lee Sherrod (born April 23, 1989) is an American football offensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Packers in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at Mississippi State.

Early years
Born in Chula Vista, California, Sherrod attended Caledonia High School in Caledonia, Mississippi, where he was a four-year starter on the offensive line and three-year regular on the defensive side of the ball. He allowed just one quarterback sack during his senior season and was credited with 32 pancake blocks, while also making 79 tackles on defense, with six quarterback sacks and four fumble recoveries. Sherrod was a first-team All-State selection in Class 3A by the Mississippi Association of Coaches at offensive tackle.

Regarded as a four-star recruit, he was listed as the No. 13 offensive tackle prospect of the class of 2007. He chose Mississippi State University over Florida, Miami (Fla.), Notre Dame, Michigan, Louisville and Ole Miss.

College career
In 2007, his true freshman year, Sherrod played in all but two games (11 of 13) during regular season. As a sophomore, he became a starter in the final 11 games for the Bulldogs at left tackle, after missing the season opener due to injury and not starting in Week 2.

In his junior season, Sherrod started all 12 games at left tackle and helped pave the way for Mississippi State to lead the Southeastern Conference in rushing, with running back Anthony Dixon recording 1,391 yards for the season (a new MSU single-season rushing record).

As a senior, he was a first team All-SEC selection and helped the Bulldogs to a 9-4 record and a 52-14 victory over Michigan in the 2011 Gator Bowl.

Professional career
Sherrod was selected in the first round (32nd overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. He was the first Mississippi State Bulldog selected in the first round since Walt Harris and Eric Moulds in 1996.

Sherrod broke his right leg on 18 December 2011 when linebacker Tamba Hali rolled into him during the fourth quarter of the Packers 14-19 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Personal
Sherrod graduated in August 2010 with a bachelor's degree in business with a focus on financial risk management, insurance and financial planning, with a 3.54 grade point average. He was a finalist for the NCAA's 2010 William V. Campbell Trophy, commonly called the "Academic Heisman."