Elon’s Derek Hite brings proven tackling punch and early impact upside
In the 2026 season, Elon linebacker Derek Hite is an experienced, 6-foot, 220-pound sophomore who already showed he can handle volume after a freshman year at VMI with 61 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, a QB hurry and two pass breakups, earning All-SoCon freshman defense honors and a Phil Steele freshman All-American nod[1][3][7]. What makes him interesting is the blend of steady production and rookie-year recognition: he looks like a downhill, assignment-sound linebacker with enough range to affect both the run game and coverage, which fits a team needing immediate, dependable help in the middle[1][7].
