Lockhart ready for larger role with Cal U

By JOSE NEGRON
jnegron@yourmvi.com
As Cal U head football coach Gary Dunn observed his team’s performance throughout the 2019 season, it was hard for him not to notice the play of Derek Lockhart.
As a sophomore wide receiver, the South Allegheny graduate appeared in 11 games, finishing with three receptions for 20 yards and totaling 249 yards on 10 kickoff returns.
He also ensured opposing punt and kick returners didn’t get far. Lockhart compiled 17 total tackles, including a team-leading 14 on special teams, and two blocked kicks that tied him for the lead amongst players in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.
“Derek is a guy we wish a lot of guys would emulate,” Dunn said. “He took on a role and continued to develop, work and learn. He’s earned every opportunity that he’s been given.”
Two years later, Lockhart will have a much more important role in Cal U’s offense.
Dunn said he expects the 6-2, 220-pound junior to serve as a top three wide receiver, while still likely contributing on special teams. Lockhart will join a wide receiver corps that includes the likes of Tyson Hill, Cam Tarrant and another area product in Serra Catholic graduate Jaquae Jackson.
“We have a lot of depth at receiver, so it’s a great feeling knowing I can be out there with the top guys,” Lockhart said. “It was nice to get my feet wet as a sophomore two years ago because adapting to college ball is pretty difficult. I’ve been around it for awhile and I’ve already played a lot, so now it’s just time to go.”
Dunn believes Lockhart could be a matchup issue for opposing secondaries this season.
“He’s a big, strong kid and there really aren’t many receivers at our level that are his size,” Dunn said. “I see him being a really good asset on the outside.”
With the 2020 season being canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lockhart made the decision to take off the fall semester last year. He got a job and worked out constantly to stay in shape before returning to Cal U for the spring semester.
Dunn said he’s seen a lot of growth from Lockhart, but what has impressed him most is his maturity.
When it comes to his on-field work, Dunn is confident in the rapport Lockhart, and all of his receivers, has developed with starting quarterback Noah Mitchell.
“We’ve got a few guys, like Derek, who have been around for three years and they did a good job this summer of getting together and throwing with Noah on their own,” Dunn said. “This spring they’ve made great strides and have gelled really well together.”
Lockhart and the Vulcans open up the fall season at Fairmont State Sept. 2. They begin PSAC play at Edinboro on Sept. 25.
“We have our sights set on being PSAC champs and getting to the national playoffs,” Lockhart said. “That’s how we’re feeling this year and that’s what we’re chasing.”