Northwestern State University of Louisana

Derek Welch is in his first season as graduate assistant for the Northwestern State football program where he assists in coaching cornerbacks. His primary recruiting area is Kansas Junior College and Mississippi high schools. 
 
Welch spent last season in Mississippi serving as the defensive and special teams coordinator for Kempner County High School.
 
Prior to being at Kemper County, Welch coached wide receivers at Southern Arkansas for an offense that ranked second in the Great American Conference in total offense and fifth nationally with 497.6 yards per game. 
 
Welch received his Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance at the University of Tennessee at Martin. While there, he was a two-year starter at cornerback helping lead the Skyhawks to a 16-9 record during his tenure. As a senior, Welch piled up 38 tackles, 12 pass break ups, and three interceptions from the cornerback position. 
 
He received his associate’s degree at Jones County Junior College, where he was an all-state player both years. Welch helped lead the team to the state championship his freshman year, leading the team with seven interceptions. 
 
Welch prepped at Taylorsville High School in MS, where he was a four-year letter player in football, basketball and track. Welch still holds the touchdown record at Taylorsville (28) which he captured his senior season. Welch was also an all-state receiver his junior and senior season.