Michael Dereus
Wide Receiver
Georgetown

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Michael Dereus:  Measurements – Height: 6’1, weight: 205 lbs.  My senior year of high school was the last time I ran a 40, and I ran a 4.41 laser at Boston College. 

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall experience at the FCS Bowl in Daytona Beach, FL.

Michael Dereus:  The FCS Bowl was a great experience.  I met and built relationships with a lot of great people that I will continue to keep in touch with.  It was an excellent opportunity to showcase my skills and speak with scouts.  It was a pleasure to interact with several football players that are on the same path and reaching towards the same goals as me.

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Michael Dereus:  Coming out of high school, Boston College, University of New Hampshire, University of Maine, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Harvard, Yale and other programs showed interest in me. 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose Georgetown?

Michael Dereus:  I chose to pursue my education and play collegiate football at Georgetown because my parents wanted me to have the opportunity to earn a degree from a prestigious academic institution while also living out my dream of playing football.  Out of my options, Georgetown presented the best of both worlds and would enable me to fulfill my parents’ wishes.  

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Michael Dereus:  I am a very explosive down field player, a great teammate, and I am extremely coachable.

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Michael Dereus:  I want to become a sharper route runner and work on not being too overly self-critical of my abilities as a player. 

Alex Khvatov:  Tell us about your overall career.

Michael Dereus:  My overall career has been filled with ups and downs.  However, through it all, I have learned valuable lessons that have shaped me into the player I am today.  I have learned to beat adversity, it is crucial to persevere, remain resilient, and continuously work hard with no complaints.  

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Michael Dereus:  Up to this point, the highlights of my career are 1) I have created lifelong relationships with various coaches, players, and mentors, 2) I have been a sponge in the sense that I have absorbed and learned as much as possible about life and football from everyone I have crossed paths with, and 3) I have made a tremendous impact as a mentor for the youth back home in Boston and for my younger teammates at Georgetown who also aspire to play at the next level. 

Alex Khvatov:  What was the biggest thing that you took away from your coaching staff? 

Michael Dereus:  The biggest thing that I took away from my coaching staff is the importance of working hard behind the scenes when no one is watching.  They have taught me what it means to have a strong work ethic, and I have been able to build my work ethic, so that I can always give a full faith effort in every mission I set out to accomplish. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a WR?

Michael Dereus:  The most important trait for a WR is to be a unique artist in their playmaking and their hands.  This allows WR’s maximize their full potential and increase their production on the field and, and thus being a unique artist sets apart a mediocre WR from an elite WR. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

Michael Dereus:  Being from Boston, I was born and raised a Patriots fan. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Michael Dereus:  My favorite NFL player is Stefon Diggs because he is an incredible route runner and has had a remarkable career.  His talents embody the skill set I strive for. 

Alex Khvatov:  Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the defense? 

Michael Dereus:  Before the ball is snapped, I look at the leverage of the corner in order to create a plan on how I will run my route and adjust if rotation occurs.  Also, I examine the location of the safeties in order to determine the coverage. 

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?

Michael Dereus:  Players on my team to keep an eye on for next season: my roommate and closest friend Xavier Reddick, Joshua Tomas, Duval Paul, Ahmad Wilson and Wes Bowers. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the toughest player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Michael Dereus:  The toughest player I have faced on an opposing team is Abu Daramy-Swaray from Colgate University. 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Michael Dereus:  The characteristic of football that I enjoy the most is the lessons in between the white lines and I am grateful to play a game that offers me so much.  Football is my safe haven when I am experiencing hardships in my life and helps me learn how to cope with difficulties and outside pressures.  Football pushes me to be patient, to be pristine and precise, and to never give up when I fail.  Furthermore, football is the ultimate team sport and taught me the importance of working and collaborating with others. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your definition of a leader?

Michael Dereus:  A leader is an individual who always sacrifices themselves for others.  A leader is an individual who is humble and does not look down on others.  A leader is an individual who always helps others and leads by example.  A leader is an individual who listens.  A leader is an individual who can always admit their wrongdoings and work on their faults. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Michael Dereus:  Listening to music, watching movies, and hanging out with my loved ones. 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Michael Dereus:  After my football career is over, I want to be a philanthropist and help my family’s native country of Haiti as much as possible.  I plan to do so by leading projects that will increase access to education and economic opportunity for millions of Haitians.  I also hope to give back and make a positive impact on children living in impoverished minority communities across the United States.

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Michael Dereus:  Relentless, hardworking, resilient, loving, gentleman.