TYLER, Texas — Former Tyler High star running back Derrick McFall made his season debut one for the books.
The Southern Methodist University Mustangs beat Houston Christian 59-7. McFall contributed by having 16 carries, for 69 yards and one touchdown in his SMU season debut.
McFall came out of Tyler High as a four-star ranked running back and committed to SMU in November 2023. Many top ranked athletes have a reality check when they get to college because they're no longer the star and they have to make a name for themselves all over again.
"It's been challenging adjusting to college athletics because it's something new," McFall said. "Coming into college, I wasn't a practice person. I was the top athlete of my high school, so I thought really didn't have to practice hard. Then I came to college, and they pushed me to go hard finish the play."
It was admirable to hear an athlete come to this realization so early in their collegiate career. McFall said there were quite a few changes he had to make in college.
"I adjusted just by taking it day by day, and just trying to make a habit of everything I do. Because, waking up every day at 6 a.m., then going to classes, it can be challenging and hard because college classes are very difficult, " McFall said. "So I just had to find a routine."
Now that McFall has adjusted to his new schedule and responsibilities, he has advice to share with his old teammates before they make the transition to college.
"I would tell them, just come prepared for adversity because adversity is going to hit. Because you've been a top athlete at your school, you're not going to be the top athlete in college, so you have to rebuild," McFall said. "So coming to college, you have to come with a better mindset, not trying to act like you're all that."
The Rose City rivalry between Tyler High and Tyler Legacy is this Friday. Last season, the Lions won this match up 28-14. On top of the college advice, McFall also had some words of wisdom to share about the game.
"If they don't win any other game, I need them to win this game. I need them to win this game," McFall said. "Don't worry about any fans, just go in there strong minded and when you're down. Because last year we were down, I went in the locker room. Whoever the leader is just go in there and say, 'you not losing the game regardless.' Put the team on your back and just go for it."