‘I want a senior season so bad’

Derek Osman misses seeing his buddies in the hallways and in the classrooms at Mercer Island High School.

It was also tough on the senior not being able to play his beloved sport of football during the fall because COVID-19 restrictions moved the Washington state season to a proposed starting date of March 19, 2021 for competitions.

For now, the Islanders are practicing — sans pads and hitting — three days a week in six-person pods. They are treating these days as an extended offseason.

“With COVID times, it’s just been a lot in the gym, a lot of working out, a lot of making sure I’m healthy and as ready to go as I can be for when I do get that opportunity,” Osman said.

As if he wasn’t already chomping at the bit while watching pro and college teams play on television, Osman and his dad learned that high school squads in Montana were playing Friday night football when they drove to the area for the senior to take an SAT.

“I really want to get back out there, but it’s definitely important to take it slow and take it the safe way,” said Osman, who’s been focusing on filling out college applications and football recruiting. “Man, I want a season. I want a senior season so bad.”

When the 2021 campaign begins, Osman — 6-foot-4, 290 pounds — will mark his fourth season as a varsity starter. He was a center and defensive tackle last season, and this time out, he’ll play tackle on both sides of the ball.

After Osman’s stellar junior season and earning second-team all-2A/3A KingCo honors at center, he’s received scholarship offers to play ball at the University of San Diego, Columbia University, Holy Cross, Georgetown University, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University and Dartmouth College. He’s also received preferred walk-on offers from the University of Washington and Wake Forest University.

MIHS head coach Ed Slezinger said that what makes Osman a good catch for colleges is that, “He’s coachable, passionate, strives for greatness, is a great teammate, wants the best for himself and those around him, has personal goals and wants to help others achieve their goals.”

Osman — who began playing football in second grade — credits his MIHS coaches Slezinger and Kyle McKenna and personal trainer Marcus Abbot from Ford Sports Performance for helping mold him into a player who’s garnering attention from publications across the state.

“It’s definitely great. It’s completely new for me, coming into it and navigating the whole recruiting world is different,” said Osman, who sports at 3.8 grade-point average, has taken a handful of AP courses and an honors course and is a member of the National Honor Society. “So definitely academics are a big thing for me. For my college hopes, I want to find the best combination of high-level football and high academics.”

Along with bringing his size into the football fray, Osman has learned leverage, body positioning, hand fighting and pure athleticism from playing basketball that is vital in the football realm, Slezinger said.

Osman’s personality is also a key part of his makeup. Slezinger said Osman is fun-loving, humorous and enjoys the camaraderie of football. He’s a leader and motivator during games and through his work ethic off the field.

“In my interactions with Derek away from the game, he is respectful, carries himself well, is of good character, is compassionate, and demonstrates that through his interactions in our special-needs student programs and with teammates and community members alike,” Slezinger said.

* The Reporter asked Osman a series of questions to get a glimpse into his life:

What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever received?

Focus on yourself and not others. Especially with social media. Everyone’s putting out things, and if you don’t focus on yourself, it’s hard not to get caught up with what other people are doing and lose track of yourself and your own grind.

What’s your favorite movie of all time?

“Kung Fu Panda,” the first one.

What’s your favorite type of music?

Hip-hop and rap music.

If you could have a super power, what would that be?

To pause time.

How do you spend your time at home during COVID?

Doing a lot of at-home workouts, studying and playing board games and card games with my family and playing video games with my friends. Also, a lot of basketball in the driveway.

Who’s your sports idol?

Ray Lewis, he played on the Baltimore Ravens. I’m a big Ravens fan, so I think I gotta go with him.

What’s your favorite restaurant on Mercer Island?

Toshi’s Teriyaki. A big teriyaki guy.

What about a post-game meal?

I go out to dinner with my dad, we actually go to Applebee’s after every game. It’s because after my first game freshman year, we got home super late and the only place open was Applebee’s, so that’s just become a thing.