Honors
• 2013 SEC Academic Honor Roll
• 2011-12 SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll
2014
Van der Wal participated in all 12 games for the Commodores, seeing action as tight end on offense and as special teams contributor… Earned first career start vs. Tennessee in final appearance… Posted two catches on season for 24 yards… Receptions – both good for 12 yards – came against Temple and Mississippi State… Also played on field goal and extra point conversion units.
2013
Saw action in 11 of 13 games, getting minutes at tight end and on special teams… Also earned first career start in win over Florida… Contributed one catch in win over Austin Peay.
2012
Van der Wal participated in nine games during the regular season, seeing action as a reserve tight end and on special teams… He does not have a reception from the TE position.
2011
Van der Wal is one of five true freshmen to see action during the season… He contributed in all 12 games after the season opener, getting minutes on special teams and in two-tight end offensive sets… Did not register a catch during the season… SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll recipient.
High School
Standout TE/DE for one of Southern California’s top prep programs… Recipient of Prep All-America honors by Parade Magazine and Player of the Year recognition by National Christian School Athletic Association (NCSAA)… As senior, named to first team All-State defense, first-team All-California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) and the CIF-SS Defensive Player of the Year… Also included on Los Angeles Times’ prestigious prep All-Star squad… Helped Oaks to California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section 4A title and 12-2 record as senior, contributing 64 stops, 22 sacks and six forced fumbles… Caught six passes in limited TE role… Also helped school to 2008 CIF title… Played in Los Angeles Daily News’ Shrine All-Star Game… As junior, had 12 catches, 70 tackles and 12 sacks… Averaged double digits in rebounds and points in basketball, helping school to 4A title as senior.
Personal
Dillon van der Wal… Son of Fred and Marna van der Wal… Born Oct. 17, 1992… Has an older brother, Derek, and sister, Kendal… Dad is a personal investor; mom works in technology support… Enjoys cooking and snowboarding.
Career Highs
Total Receptions: 1, (3x) vs. Miss. State, 11/22/2014
Reception Yards: 12 yards, (2x) vs. Miss. State, 11/22/2014
Longest Reception: 12 yards, (2x) vs. Miss. State, 11/22/2014
