When you were a recruit as a high school senior, why did you commit to the Sun Devils?
ASU was the only team to offer me a scholarship as a Wide Receiver. I had originally committed to UNLV, but after my visit to ASU I knew where I wanted to be. As they say, “I’M A SUN DEVIL MAN!”
As a Sun Devil, was there a game or a play that you’ll always remember?
Derek Hagan: There was probably two plays I’ll remember most. One was against Iowa. I was in the back of the end-zone, and as I caught the ball over the Iowa defender, he ripped my helmet off. That was a game that no one thought we could win, and we beat them 44-7. It was a great game for a lot of guys on the team.
The other was when we played UCLA out there. I think I scored 3 touchdowns, and on the last one I ran a stop and go on the corner then caught a 40-yard touchdown to pretty much win the game. (This was the 2004 game in which ASU beat UCLA 48-42).
When you came out of the tunnel for home games, what effect did the fans have?
Derek Hagan: There’s nothing like it. You want that support. When you’re in Tillman Tunnel, you can hear the fans all around you, and it’s loud. You can feel that energy. When the fans are into it, it really pushes players further.
Sun Devil Receiver #80 Derek Hagan (2002-2005)
Looking at your life at this point with all of the experiences, how do you view your time at ASU?
Derek Hagan: College was the best time in my life. Those were the greatest 4 years ever. You’re not worried about a lot of things. In college, it’s hard work, but it mainly consisted of going to class and playing football with a hundred other guys. That was the focus. I met some of the greatest guys I could ever meet and to this day we’re still friends. College only happens once, and when it’s over it’s a different game.
Time has moved extremely fast. I can’t believe it’s been almost 10 years since I was at ASU.
Have you met current Sun Devil receiver, Jaelen Strong?
Yes, I’ve met Jaelen. I’m excited for what he brings to the table. I love watching him make plays. Now we just need someone on the opposite side of him to step up and make some plays also.
I wanted to get your response to something. We tweeted out that we’d be doing this interview with you and tagged Jaelen. Maybe you saw his reply. Do you have a response?
Derek Hagan: He said what?! I would say he’s got a lot of work to do. He’s got his first 1,000-yard season under his belt. If he does it again, then I’ll really take him seriously (laughing). Jaelen’s the cream of the crop right now, and to do that right out of JC, he’s proven himself. I hope he can keep it going because I’m rooting for him.
Touchdown Devils!
Last question, Derek. Are you a DieHard Sun Devil?
Derek Hagan: Of course.
Prove it.
Derek Hagan: I’m a DieHard Devil because ASU believed in me, and I believe in them 24/7/365. I can say that ASU is the greatest university on earth. There’s just nothing like wearing that Maroon & Gold. Period.
Sun Devil for Life
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