While the tight ends have stolen the show in recent seasons at Penn State, there will always be the Linebacker U reputation on defense. Following in the footsteps of players like Greg Buttle, Dan Connor, Jack Ham, LaVar Arrington, and Micah Parsons brings great recognition and even greater responsibility. Starting with Arrington, many of the Penn State stars that have donned the heralded #11 jersey were linebackers. Above all, the linebackers have been leaders of the defense. This season, one player in particular will be looking to have a dom-inant season at linebacker for Penn State.
Who is Looking to Have a Dom-inant Season?
Entering his redshirt senior season, linebacker Dom DeLuca is the embodiment of what makes college football great. A former walk-on, he has worked very hard to not only make the team but also become a leader. Heading into next season, DeLuca will have ample opportunities to make an impact on the defense.
DeLuca has consistently worked hard to improve his stock on the team. Despite entering this offseason as a presumptive starter at linebacker, he is not taking anything for granted. For instance, he was recently recognized by his position coach for his efforts during winter workouts. For those in and around the program, this is not a surprise. DeLuca was named a team captain in each of the last two seasons.
A Special Player Early On
There are no walk-ons in James Franklin’s program at Penn State. In Happy Valley, such players are known as run-ons. These players have made an impact through the years at Penn State. Some of the most notable run-ons include quarterback Matt McGloin, defensive end Carl Nassib, and kicker Robbie Gould, not to mention Chad Powers. Dom DeLuca is continuing the tradition very well for the Nittany Lions.
In high school, DeLuca led his team to a state title in Pennsylvania. While this is impressive, it is even more so since he did it on a torn ACL. In 2021, DeLuca ran on at Penn State. He redshirted his freshman year, but did get a bit of a taste of the game at the Big Ten level. In 2022, he really began to hit his stride. For his efforts, DeLuca earned the Outstanding Run-On Award. Additionally, in 2023 he was recognized as Penn State’s outstanding special teams player. He was also presented with the #0 jersey. While not as famous as the St1x C1ty #11 on defense, the #0 is given to the leader of the special teams.
A Dom-inant Playoff Performance
DeLuca’s play, and corresponding stats, have improved each season. In 2024, he appeared in 15 games, starting five of them. DeLuca finished with 40 tackles, including four tackles for loss, in addition to a half-sack, three interceptions and a pass defended. He also added a touchdown.
Penn State hosted their first playoff game at Beaver Stadium this past season. It was a victory over SMU. That playoff showdown ended up being a statement game for DeLuca. In the contest, he finished with five tackles and had a half-sack. He also started the game’s scoring, from a 23-yard interception return for a touchdown. It was the first-ever Penn State playoff touchdown. DeLuca would finish the game with two interceptions. He added five more tackles in the win against Boise State, and two in the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal loss to Notre Dame.
Riding the momentum of his strong playoff performance, DeLuca is poised to continue to take steps forward in the upcoming season. He will be playing for a new defensive coordinator in Jim Knowles. Additionally, gone are some of the stalwarts of last year’s defense, like Abdul Carter, Jaylen Reed, and fellow linebacker Kobe King. While the changes bring uncertainty, they also lead to opportunities for players like DeLuca. While his ultimate impact will unfold over the season, what is certain is Penn State will get his best effort. He is looking for a dominant season at linebacker for Penn State.
Main Image: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
