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Penn Cambria linebacker Derek Hite has been a force in the Panthers’ lineup since his sophomore season.
Hite made an instant impact in a leadership role as an underclassman, a fact evident when he earned Tribune-Democrat Defensive Player of the Year honors following an often-dominant effort in 2023.
Now a senior, Hite is part of a tight-knit, veteran group of Panthers who lead by example and hope to inspire the underclassmen to follow the trail set by the seniors over the past three seasons.
“Some of us were still considered leaders even though we were young,” said Hite, who had 102 tackles, an area-best 11 sacks, 17 quarterback hurries and four blocked kicks as a junior. “We still performed well on both sides of the ball.
“That’s what makes you a leader if you can perform and lead by example. We have to pass that down to the underclassmen – how to be a leader.”
Ethan Weber, Derek Hite
Bedford full back Ethan Weber, left, is caught from behind by Penn Cambria linebacker Derek Hite during a Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference game in Cresson, PA., Friday, Sept.30, 2022.
‘Take care of business’
Penn Cambria has reached the District 6 Class 3A title game each of the past three seasons, falling to Central, which enters this season possessing four straight 6-3A crowns.
“We just try to take care of business. In years past we were considered the underdogs,” said Hite, a recent commit to Virginia Military Institute. “This year, a lot more people respect us. We just have to go out there and do what we do.”
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Hite is one of the top returnees in the area.
“He’s just such a great kid – unbelievable work ethic,” Penn Cambria coach Nick Felus said. “Great student. He does things around the community for us. One of our hardest workers and he sets a good example for our younger…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/penn-cambrias-hite-among-area-114600241.html
Author : The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.
Publish date : 2024-08-22 11:46:00
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