Five Arms and A Lucky Fin - Weekly Sports Podcast

Derek McCormick’s Rise: From the NAIA Grind to the Big Ten Lights

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He didn’t start at a Power 5 school. He didn’t know a soul on campus. But Derek McCormick still found his way to the College Football Playoff — and left his mark along the way.

In this episode, we dive into Derek’s journey from small-school beginnings to kicking under the Big Ten lights. He talks about:
 ⚡ Getting lost (literally) on day one
 👟 The mental side of being the guy when the game’s on the line
 🤝 Building bonds and earning respect in a new locker room
 🔥 And the moment he knew he belonged

From the NAIA to the national spotlight, Derek’s story is proof that the path doesn’t have to be perfect — just yours.

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