FAIRWAY, Kan. -- When Derrick Thomas is inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, there may be some double takes in the crowd in Canton, Ohio.

That's because Thomas's son, Derrion, will be at the ceremony and he is the spitting image of his father -- both on and off the football field.

While Derrick Thomas's football career was cut short, his son Derrion's is just taking off.

"He is wise beyond his years," said Kevin Regan, who was a friend of the late Derrick Thomas. "At times I think I'm talking to Derrick. He looks just like him. He thinks a lot like him."

Regan, a business associate and friend of Derrick Thomas has watched Derrion grow up. He relishes the moments when he can share with Derrion the memories, pictures and stories he has about his legendary father.

"George Bush senior landed here twice to give him a point of light," Regan said. "Bill Clinton asked him to come with him to the Vietnam Memorial ceremony because Clinton thought he was going to get booed -- which he did. Derrick got three standing ovations that day."

Derrion said he loves hearing those stories about his dad and can't wait to hear more at the induction ceremony.

"It's a special event for him to make it in," Derrion said. "But for me to go down and interact with a lot of the guys that maybe played with my dad, it's an experience I'll treasure my entire life."

Derrion is now making his own name in the football world. As a senior at Blue Springs South High School, he turned in a monster game against Rockhurst in the Missouri state semi-final game.

"Derrion lit 'em up, man," Regan said. "Eight tackles -- four sacks -- two recovered fumbles. All that despite the fact he broke his arm in the third quarter."

Surprisingly, Derrion only began playing football his junior year. Swimming had always been the sport he excelled in.

Now he's trying to master the game that made his father a hall of famer.

"There's a lot of people who say, 'Are you afraid to be overshadowed by him?'" Derrion said. "The answer is not at all. When I see his stats, I see it as a challenge. It makes me a better athlete."

University of Missouri fans have reason to root for Derrion's success. He will be playing football for the Tigers this fall and plans on taking marketing and pre-law classes.