Derek Landri attended De La Salle High School in Concord, California where he was a three-year starter on both offense and defense on the football team. He finished his career with a consecutive games started streak of 37 games. As a junior, Derek totaled 80 tackles and 17 sacks. He also knocked down 12 passes at the line. As a senior he finished with 130 tackles and 9 ˝ sacks, helping De La Salle to a 12-0 record, its 10th consecutive undefeated season. Derek joined D.J. Williams and Amani Toomer as the only De La Salle players in history to be named California player of the year. He was considered to be one of the top defensive line prospects in the nation and he accepted a scholarship to Notre Dame at the conclusion of his high school career. Derek suffered a setback in the spring when he broke his left fibula and dislocated his ankle in a bicycle accident. The injury bug hit him again around fall practices when he suffered a shoulder injury. He had surgery to repair and was forced to sit out the 2002 season as a redshirt. The following season Derek saw action in 10 games receiving 1 start. He finished the season with 13 tackles. He earned a starting job a nose guard as a sophomore where he would start all 12 games, racking up 40 tackles, ˝ sack, and a forced fumble. He started all 12 games once again as a junior, totaling 43 tackles and 3 sacks on the year.

Derek Landri has a good deal of experience having started at defensive tackle for the Fighting Irish over the past three seasons. During that time he has proven to be a very durable player who doesn’t miss much time due to injury. He is an intelligent player and a hard worker with an non-stop motor. He is able to beat most offensive lineman off the snap with his quick first step. He does a good job of staying low and getting leverage on his opponents. Derek lacks ideal size and strength for an NFL defensive tackle. He has trouble getting off blocks and will be overpowered by bigger, stronger offensive linemen at times. He would benefit from bulking up and increasing his strength. Derek Landri is a bit of a “tweener” who lacks the ideal size to play defensive tackle. He also lacks the speed and athleticism to play defensive end. He’s a player who probably won’t be a good fit on every team. He could play defensive end in a 3-4 defensive scheme or play defensive tackle in a one-gap scheme. He should be a second day pick in the 2007 NFL draft.