Quincy University Hawks

2025 (Sophomore): Cross appeared in all 11 games during his sophomore season with the Hawks, making eight starts in the defensive backfield. He finished the year with 15 tackles, including 11 solo stops and four assists.

Cross also recorded one interception, one fumble recovery, and two pass breakups. He made an immediate impact against Concordia-St. Paul (8/28/25), recording the first tackle and interception of his career. His top tackling performance came against Roosevelt (9/6/25), where he finished with a season-high five tackles.

2024 (Freshman): Appeared in one game as a freshman, making his collegiate debut against Missouri S&T (9/21/24).
-    GLVC Academic All-Conference

Personal: De’Rhaje “DJ” Cross is from East St. Louis, Illinois, and attended Belleville West High School. He is the son of Carlinda Ray and Timothy Cross and has several siblings: Cameron, Timothy, Journee, Tamia, Rashawn, and Ralph.

DJ has earned multiple accolades, including the Athletic Scholar Award, Mighty Maroon Award, AJ Boots Budde Inspirational Award, TB Tabor Football Award, and Bob Flake Award. He was also part of the 4A Basketball Regional Championship team. 

Outside of sports, DJ enjoys going to the gym, cooking, and dancing. He looks up to Jalen Ramsey and Kevin Durant as role models.