Darren was a 1987 graduate of Deshler High School and Jacksonville State University in 1992. He was an All-Area and A-State performer for the Tigers football team playing both offense and defense on his way to being selected Times Daily 4A-6A  Player of the Year as well as the A.C. Curry Lineman of the year as selected by the Quad Cities Quarterback Club in 1986-1987. He played offensive guard and defensive end for Coach Tandy Geralds who made the statement that on offense Darren was at the point of attack 98 percent of the time as their pulling guard in the Wing-T offense. In addition he completed an outstanding high school football career with 185 total tackles on defense of which 135 were solo stops along with 14 sacks and two fumble recoveries. Following high school he received a scholarship to Jacksonville State where as a member of the Gamecocks he was on two Gulf South Conference Champion teams and two Division II Championship Runner-Up squads. Darren is now a deputy with the Colbert County Sheriff's Department.