He played for the NC State Wolfpack football program from 2003 to 2006, handling punts, kickoffs, field goals, and extra points.
He was described as "a one-man special-teams show" and a "triple threat", handling punts, field goals, and kickoffs for the Wolfpack.
[5] In 2005, the Blue Ribbon Football Yearbook declared Deraney "the most irreplaceable player on the Wolfpack roster.
He also set NC State records by converting 76 consecutive extra points and tallying 2,968 punting yards in a single season in 2006.
[5] Prior to his 2006 redshirt senior season, Deraney's father, who suffered from multiple sclerosis, was placed in hospice care and given six months to live.