National Football Foundation

A three-year letterman, Derek Sherrod has helped propel Mississippi State University into the national spotlight while also setting an example for younger students and excelling academically. He is the school's third NFF National Scholar-Athlete and the first since 1989.

Sherrod, who hails from Columbus, Miss., has been named to the Mississippi State University President's Scholar List three times. A two-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll, he has graduated Cum Laude in business with a focus on financial risk management.

An All-SEC selection in 2009, Sherrod helped pave the way for the Bulldogs to lead the SEC and finish ninth nationally in rushing with 227.6 yards per game. This season, Sherrod has helped Mississippi State bulldoze its way to 219.3 rushing yards per game, which ranks 15th nationally. He has helped the No. 21 Bulldogs achieve their most wins since 2007 with four games yet to play. The team captain has started 30 games and appeared in 42 contests for his career.

A four-year member of the M-Club, the student-athlete community service organization, he has spent considerable time with the youth of Mississippi. He has served breakfast at Sudduth Elementary School, participated in Sudduth's Kids Fair and read to local students to promote literacy. He has also organized a Thanksgiving food drive. Sherrod was selected by the Green Bay Packers with the 32nd overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft and appeared in 20 games from 2011-14. He is currently a member of the Kansas City Chiefs.