(Editors note: This is the first of a four-part series on local athletes competing in this weekend's Montana-Montana St. football game.)

It’s a delicate balance, but one that Derek Crittenden of Whitefish has mastered quite well.

The 6-foot-3, 240-pound redshirt junior defensive end at the University of Montana is excelling in the classroom while being a solid contributor on the field.

Earlier this month he was selected for a second straight year to the Co-SIDA’s 2014 Capital One All-District 7 Academic Team. Student-athletes must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.33 to be honored.

Crittenden, majoring in chemistry, has a 4.0 GPA.

He was one of two Grizzlies named. He will now be up for national Capital One All-America Team recognition, which will be announced Dec. 5.

On the gridiron, Crittenden has played in all 11 games this fall. His seven solo and 15 assisted tackles give him 22. That lists him 13th on the defensive chart.

He has four tackles for loss, totaling minus 12 yards, and three sacks for minus 10 yards.

Only three Grizzlies have more sacks.

He has recovered two fumbles, which ties him for the team lead.

He has also forced a fumble.

The one thing he does not have is an interception.

“It’s always in the back of my mind,” he said.

“It would be nice to have one.

“It’s about the same,” he said of his playing time this season compared to last year.

“Maybe a little more. We have a three-man rotation. We have a package called Charger, it’s a pass-rush package, a speed pass rush package.”

Crittenden’s assignment in that alignment is the quarterback.

“Obviously I would rather be starting, always playing,” he said.

“But this is the role I have been given. I have to capitalize on that.”

Last year Crittenden had 41 tackles, which tied him for eight best on the squad.

He saw action in 11 games his freshman season and finished with 20 tackles.

“The guys are a little tighter as a unit (this year), so that’s fun,” he said.

“We’ve had more time to be with each other.

“My expectations are to contribute to the team, whatever that would be. I take it day by day and let it play out. What ever happens, happens.”

Crittenden had a stellar career at Whitefish, where he was a three-year starter. He was named a team captain, selected all-state his senior year and was an all-conference first-team selection his junior and senior years.

He also lettered in wrestling and track.

He says he’s bulked up 15 pounds from his prep days.

“I’m not the biggest guy on the field any more,” he said of the different between high school ball and college.

“I’m pretty average in size.”

He says he’s a more explosive player now after strength and conditioning training.

The other difference ...

“The time and commitment,” he said.

His day, during the season, starts with one to two hours of weight lifting — either at 6:30, 7:30 or 8:30 a.m. — then off to class followed by practice and film from 2 p.m. to “6:30ish,” he said.

“Usually average 12 (credits per semester during football season). Right now 14. I have bigger loads of classes in the spring time.”

With a minor in math and philosophy, it’s challenging, but rewarding.

“It’s nice to have that contrast between strict science and broad thinking,” he said.

“It has broadened my education.

“Go to grad school,” he said of his future plans.

“Do something in the research end behind pharmacy.

“Initially it was a big shock coming from high school, where I had my parents,” he said of academic side.

“They could help me along, help me with my schedule. The big shift was when I got to college. I was giving more time to football. I had little pockets of time (away from football) to accomplish things. When I realized the balance, it wasn’t that bad. It came down to time management and how productive I was being with the small block I had.”

And if he could go back an change anything since his arrival in Missoula, it would be with football.

“My freshman and sophomore year I took it for granted,” he said.

“I’ve come to appreciate every moment (this year) of playing the game.”