HURON — Huron High School senior Derick Siemonsma has decided to continue his football career at the next level. The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder, who played tight end and linebacker for the Tigers, signed  a National Letter of Intent to play football at Dakota State University in the fall.

“Derick was the heart and soul of our defense the past two years,” Huron football coach Scott Spanton said. “He was a leader on the field with the effort in which he played and he matched that intensity in the weight room changing his body.

“He exemplifies what we would like all of our athletes to model in the areas of passion, work ethic and love for the game,” he said. “There is no doubt he will be successful at the next level and we wish him nothing but the best.”

Siemonsma was selected as a Class 11AA all-state linebacker and earned All-Eastern South Dakota Conference honors for the position as well during his senior season. He earned Academic All-State honors the past two seasons and earned honorable mention on the Class 11AA all-state team at linebacker as a junior.

“I just wanted to play football at the next level and it was close to home,” Siemonsma said of joining the Trojans’ roster. “I like the coaching staff, I like the school and I could just go back home whenever.”

During the past two seasons, Siemonsma has recorded 179 tackles for the Tigers, 12 tackles for loss, five sacks and two interceptions. On the offensive side of the ball he had 24 receptions for 366 yards and five touchdowns.

Dakota State is an NAIA school, which is part of the North Star Athletic Association.