THE FRONT ROW with JASON ELLIOTT: Digging deep ... Pearse, a Post Falls High product, makes move to tight end pay off for NAIA Montana Tech football team

"Derek will go down as one of the best I've coached," Montana Tech offensive coordinator Travis Dean said. "He takes coaching and makes the necessary changes. He will be the first to acknowledge when he messes up and the last to brag about a play or block he made. Derek loves to play the game and it is very evident on Saturdays. He plays with tremendous energy and excitement. He's the ultimate leader and teammates gravitate to him. He loves to joke and have fun in meetings and pre-practice, but when it's time to work, he is all business."