Derrell Hand Class: Junior Hometown: Philadelphia, PA High School: West Catholic Height / Weight: 6-3 / 287 Position: Defensive End Birthdate: 06/19/1987

CAREER: Powerful third-year player who has not seen game action for the Irish yet ... spent spring drills learning both defensive end and nose tackle positions to help him get on the field ... will help with the depth on the defensive line.

2006 (SOPHOMORE): Did not see game action for the Irish.

2005 (FRESHMAN): Did not see game action as a rookie defensive lineman.

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from West Catholic (Philadelphia, Pa.) High School ... as a senior, he made 68 tackles (51 solo, 17 assisted) with 5.5 sacks ... a first-team selection for Philadelphia Catholic League as both defensive tackle and tight end ... also earned first-team honors on the all-Southeast Pennsylvania team and first-team all-state honors ... helped the West Catholic defense hold its opponents under two yards rushing per attempt in 2004 ... collected 77 tackles as a junior (49 solo, 28 assisted) with 7.5 sacks ... on offense as a senior boasted 57 knockdown blocks, following up 46 as a junior ... averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds as a senior in basketball ... coached by Brian Fluck in football and Bill Ludlow in basketball ... full name is Derrell F. Hand ... born June 19, 1987, in Philadelphia ... brother Faron played basketball at the University of Nevada ... one of two children ... enrolled in the College of Arts and Letters, majoring in sociology.