Derek Downs, a 6’7”, 305-lb. offensive tackle from Westerville North High School, signed with Bowling Green State University (BGSU) on February 1. He had verbally committed to Youngstown State, but with just days to go before signing, Bowling Green reached out looking to sign an offensive tackle. The offer was too good to pass up as Downs always hoped to play in the MAC. He has loved football right from his start in the Junior Football League of Westerville and at Genoa Middle School. Derek is the third of four Downs brothers who have all played varsity football for Westerville North. He was a Warrior team captain; won the 2015 Team Most Improved Player Award and in 2016; and was voted All-Conference and 2nd Team All-District. Downs plans to major in Secondary Education at BGSU and hopes one day to become a Social Studies teacher and coach.