‘Team guy’ Derek Weisskopf welcomes increased responsibilities in senior season at Williamsburg

WILLIAMSBURG — Derek Weisskopf can do just about everything well.

The Williamsburg senior and University of Iowa commit can run, jump, tackle and punt and is developing into a blocker in his 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame.

He has played a major role in the Raiders’ success the last couple seasons but his approach to the game might be as strong as his physical skills.

“He’s always been a team guy,” Williamsburg Coach Curt Ritchie said. “He’s always willing to do whatever and that’s one of the reasons I think he’s going to be great as a Hawkeye.

“He loves to compete. It doesn’t matter who it’s against. He is willing to do whatever to help the team. He just loves playing.”

Weisskopf helped the Raiders to a Class 2A state runner-up finish last season. He is one of nine returning starters for Williamsburg, which made the jump to 3A this year. The Raiders are ranked second in The Gazette’s preseason football poll, opening the season Friday at home versus West Branch.

“It’s exciting, but definitely nerve-wracking at the same time,” Weisskopf said. “We always want to have a good year and have a good season. It’s going to be hard to match the season we had last year with all the great seniors we had.”

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Weisskopf is a rare talent. He won his second straight state high jump title in May, clearing 6-7. Track gold came on the heels of first-team all-state selections in basketball and football by the Iowa Print Sports Writers Association.

“I think he’s been on a mission for this for a while now,” Ritchie said. “He’s waited for his turn to lead and take over. He’s excited because he wants to compete. He wants to compete as much as anybody we’ve ever had.”

The wide receiver and safety has proved to be a difference maker, leading the Raiders in receiving (37 catches, 628 yards and 12 touchdowns), interceptions (six) and punting (39.4-yard average). He was third on the team with 59 1/2 total tackles and 43 solo.

Weisskopf’s resume garnered a surprise invitation to the All-American Bowl scheduled to be televised Jan. 6 on NBC. He will take the field with some of the best seniors from across the country to participate in the classic in San Antonio, Texas.

“It’s a great opportunity that I am super excited for,” Weisskopf said. “I’m excited to play against the 100 best players in the nation.”

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Well before he plays in the all-star contest, his responsibilities will increase for the high school season. Weisskopf has taken snaps at middle linebacker and tight end in addition to his wideout and defensive secondary positions.

“We’re going to move him around,” Ritchie said. “One thing we have found is if we’re struggling at a position, whether it be offense, defense, or special teams, you put him there and it seems just fine.

“We’re going to ask him to move around and do a lot of different things for us.”

Weisskopf has focused on being more of a vocal leader and still leads by example.

“It’s just the coaches knowing that I can be good enough wherever they want me to play,” Weisskopf said. “I’m doing it for the team. I know the coaches will put me in the right place.

“I 100-percent believe whatever they want me to do I will do it and do it at my best ability. Heck, if they want me to go play quarterback, I will go play quarterback. Wherever they put me I am happy and if it’s working for the team it will be great.”

Retired NFL lineman Austin Blythe has returned to his alma mater to coach the offensive line. Ritchie laughed when he mentioned Blythe’s attempts to get his hands on Weisskopf to block in the trenches. Weisskopf’s reps at tight end has allowed him to learn blocking from the former Hawkeye.

“I can tell everyone on the offensive line soaks up everything they can from him,” Weisskopf said. “It has helped tremendously.”

Gains in speed and strength stemmed from devoting offseason time in Williamsburg’s new state-of-the-art weight room and training facility. Weisskopf said he will stay consistent to continue improvements throughout the season, which is bad news for opponents.

“He’s been so consistently good with all the little things,” Ritchie said. “You’re seeing that all come together now.

“The biggest thing is the leadership and the growth over a long period of time of hard work and commitment.”

Williamsburg has some holes to fill due to graduation. The Raiders must replace starting quarterback Carson Huedepohl and the top three rushers from a year ago. They bring back most of their top receivers, including Weisskopf, Clayten Steckly, Rayce Heitman and Braylon Wetjen.

Heitman, who has a knack for the ball and the end zone with eight total TDs, will be a vital complement to Weisskopf on offense.

Linemen Simeon Arbrecht, Bryan Riedel and Trenton Davies will lead the way up front and will be needed to establish a run attack.

“The guys that really contributed to that group last year have jumped right in and taken off,” Ritchie said. “We’re waiting to see the rest of them, getting their first chance.

“We just talk about trying to get every guy, no matter what their position, to the best of their ability. If we can do that and everybody is playing as close to their top of their ability, we’ll be in good shape.”

A closer look at Williamsburg

Coach: Curt Ritchie (31st season, 226-91 overall; 23rd season, 185-58 at Williamsburg)

Last year: 12-1 (5-0 in district 2A 6)

Returning starters: OL/DL Simeon Arbrecht, DB Kellen Cochrell, K Logan Rethwisch, OL Bryan Riedel, LB Clayten Steckly, WR/DB Derek Weisskopf, DB Braylon Wetjen, OL/DL Trenton Davies, WR/LB Rayce Heitman

3 keys to success: Establish run game and fill out offensive line; Continue fast and aggressive defense; Lots of Derek Weisskopf

Big games: Aug. 25 vs. West Branch (non-district); Oct. 6 at Solon (3A District 5)