23  Derrick McMahen
	Class: Senior Hometown: Fallbrook, Calif. High School: Fallbrook Last College: Palomar CC, Calif. Height / Weight: 5-10 / 187 Position: Free Safety

UW This Season: Derrick McMahen made great strides between his junior and senior seasons at UW. He played in seven games his first season after transferring from Palomar Community College in California in `07, but in the spring of 2008 he elevated his game and caught the attention of Wyoming coaches. That improved play earned him the No. 2 spot on the depth chart at strong safety behind fellow senior and returning starter Michael Ray.

2007: McMahen was credited with nine tackles -- three solos and six assists -- in his first season playing at the NCAA Division I level. He also contributed on special teams. He transferred to UW in January 2007 from Palomar Community College and participated in 2007 spring drills with the Cowboys. McMahen ended the spring listed No. 3 at the free safety position behind junior Quincy Rogers and redshirt freshman Chris Prosinski.

Junior College: McMahen earned All-Mission League honors at Palomar Community College in San Marcos, Calif., his sophomore season of 2006. He was also named his team's 2006 Defensive Player of the Year at Palomar. McMahen was credited with 43 total tackles, including 20 solo tackles and 23 assists during his sophomore season. He intercepted three passes, returning them for 55 yards. The native of Fallbrook, Calif., also broke up three other passes, recovered three fumbles, forced one fumble and made two tackles for losses of seven yards. He helped lead Palomar to the Mission League American Division Championship with a 4-1 conference record and a 6-5 overall mark. Palomar advanced to the California State Community College Playoffs ranked No. 24 in the nation by J.C. Grid-Wire. They Comets faced Saddleback Community College, which was ranked No. 1 by J.C. Grid-Wire, in the first round of the playoffs. Palomar nearly pulled off the upset before missing a two-point conversion with 23 seconds remaining in the game to fall by a score of 28-30 to Saddleback in the National Bowl in Mission Viejo, Calif. McMahen played for head coach Joe Early and defensive coordinator J.G. Aegerter at Palomar. Aegerter is a Laramie, Wyo., native and a 1978 University of Wyoming graduate. McMahen follows former Palomar football players Brandon Bell (cornerback), Corey Mace (defensive end) and Ron Rockett (strong safety) as Comets who continued their college football careers at Wyoming. McMahen played his high school football at Fallbrook High School in Fallbrook, Calif.

Personal: Born Nov. 19, 1987, in Olongapo Subic Bay, Philippines. The son of Elena and Ken McMahen, he was also recruited by Oregon State and San Diego State. He is majoring in physical and health education- teaching.