Derek Eusebio set all-time receiving records at Parish Episcopal High School before beginning his collegiate career as a walk-on in Tempe. The rising receiver then took his first touch in college football to the house for a 64-yard touchdown against rivals Arizona in the Territorial Cup and earned himself a scholarship in 2024.

After a strong 2025 season, with standout games against West Virginia and Colorado (recording 74 and 87 yards respectively and a touchdown in each), Eusebio is looking to be even better in 2026, revealing a list of personal goals to Gridiron that included a desire to ‘definitely be a leader on the team,’ explaining that he ‘looks to be one of those guys that everybody can lean on by just doing everything right’.

He’s also prepared to be versatile and happy to be utilised in a variety of ways.

“I’m one of those guys that, if the team needs me to block, if the team needs me to catch, I’ll do whatever… return [kicks], whatever,” he noted. “I’m really excited for this season and think that, whatever the team needs, I’ll definitely be able to help in any way I can.”

When asked by Gridiron about the team’s expectations under head coach Kenny Dillingham following their conference title-winning 2024 season, and how the team isn’t going to let outside pressures or the weight of expectation affect them, Eusebio gladly shared his feelings.

“I think the expectation is always going to be up there,” he said. “We just didn’t worry about that, we just worked out because no one thought we were anything, that we were the bottom of the totem pole.”

In terms of expectation and preparation ahead of the 2026 season, meanwhile, Eusebio explained that the team was prepared to shut out all distractions.

“I think we’re just working, doing what we can do, and not be focused on the stuff outside,” he insisted. “We’re not focused about the rankings and all that; we’re just trying to become the best that we can be.”

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Along with working under a young and exciting head coach in Dillingham, the wideout also shared some insight about working under wide receivers coach — and Pittsburgh Steelers legend — Hines Ward.

“It’s hard not to put your best foot forward when he is coaching you,” Eusebio said. “We have a lot of fun in the receivers room with him.”

When asked how his journey from walk-on to star might inspire UK-based players who may be daunted by the seemingly mammoth task of breaking into an American football career, he admitted that everything comes down to ‘work ethic and just seizing opportunity’, before explaining that ‘you might not always be the star player’.

“You might be a guy that gets one catch or whatever your opportunity is, so you got to be able to seize [the opportunity],” he expanded. “And the only way you can have that opportunity is if you put the work in advance.

“I really play the game to make an impact, but not only on the field. I’m trying to be more than just a football player. Whatever [people] see in me, if they see me playing hard every single play, or if I’m in there blocking…hopefully they can take something away from my game.”

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Erstwhile Sun Devil Jordyn Tyson is now with the New Orleans Saints, having been selected eighth overall in last month’s NFL Draft, and Eusebio spoke highly of his former room-mate’s character and what Saints fans can expect to see on the field.

“They’re going to get an extremely competitive person,” he revealed. “Jordyn has to compete in everything. It doesn’t matter if it’s chess, golf, ping pong… he’s going to be competing.

“But he’s a super genuine person too. He’s going to treat you like you’re going to go down but, as soon as you meet him, he’s going to be extremely nice.”

With Tyson’s departure, Eusebio is ready to seize the opportunity to rise up but also expects his other team-mates to make a significant impact this season.

“I think all of our receivers are going to be able to get in there and make a splash,” he claimed. “I think you guys are going to hear a bunch of names. I think we’re going to be really explosive this year.”

Eusebio and the ASU receiver corps will need to adjust to a new signal-caller under center, following QB Sam Leavitt’s transfer to LSU, but the veteran appeared positive about the situation, and what the offense will look like even with that undecided position.

“We’ve got offensive power, and have been practising together through all winter, early through all spring,” he pointed out. “It’s exciting seeing what guys can compete. I think each of them have their own set of strengths and weaknesses. It’s definitely important hanging out with them outside of ball too. Just trying to get a chemistry with everybody. Just hanging out and seeing what makes them play, what makes them work harder.”

Eusebio also explained how he is grateful for the opportunity for overseas travel whilst in college, especially as this has now become a staple of the NFL season, and how it will stand him in good stead for that hoped-for professional career.

“I think it’s just such a cool experience,” he said. “I mean, it’s an extreme blessing just to be able to have this opportunity, so I think it’ll help everybody in the end.

“ASU [are] going to take care of all of our football stuff and packing everything, so I don’t have to worry about any of that but I’m definitely planning all the tourist things.”

Eusebio also hopes his play will help to create some UK-based converts to the Arizona State fanbase, whilst also singing the praises of the Sun Devils’ travelling fans.

“Any time we get to make some Sun Devils fans, it’s amazing,” he admitted. “I know we’re going to have a bunch of Sun Devil fans over there because we’ve had some fan engagements here and they’ve all said that they’re super excited to get over there. I know our fans are great — and they’re going to go over there and make some more Sun Devil fans.”

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Tickets to watch the Sun Devils against the Kansas Jayhawks in the inaugural Union Jack Classic on Saturday 19th September can be purchased now via the Union Jack Classic website