Veteran Saluki mauler Derek Harden Jr. brings power, experience, and leadership
Derek Harden Jr. is a big, battle-tested interior lineman for Southern Illinois, with 31 career starts and a 2025 season in which he started all 12 games at right guard, earning preseason third-team All-American recognition from Phil Steele. He’s a fit if you want a physical, experienced guard who stabilizes the line, brings veteran leadership, and has already been trusted in high-volume, high-pressure situations. His path also matters: he’s overcome major injury setbacks and has become a captain-level presence, which says a lot about his toughness and locker-room value.
