Dominic DeLuca, a former walk-on linebacker for Penn State, has become a key player on the team, demonstrating his versatility and dedication. With the impending end of walk-on programs in college football, DeLuca reflects on their importance and the impact they have on the sport.
DeLuca, a former walk-on who played a critical role with two interceptions in Penn State 's win over SMU last week,'can do anything, and he can get the job done efficiently.' Penn State linebacker Dominic DeLuca returns an interception for a touchdown during a first-round College Football Playoff win over SMU on Dec. 21.
DeLuca is a former walk-on that earned his way on scholarship last year with his stellar special teams play, eventually leading him to a starting linebacker role, two-time captaincy and a standout performance on Dec. 21 in the first-round of the College Football Playoff.With the football scholarship limit increasing to 105 players next year, walk-ons will no longer be a thing. DeLuca and coaches alike recognize the importance of walk-ons. After collecting 29 tackles, two interceptions , and two forced fumbles in 2023, DeLuca was a Burlsworth Trophy nominee, the award for the most outstanding walk-on. He was a high school quarterback who led Wyoming Area High School to a state title with a torn ACL. He’s been through a lot in his journey, and he explained what college football will be missing without walk-ons. “Walk-ons are the backbone of the country of college football,” DeLuca said. “You wouldn’t be able to have practice squads or even get some looks from even for each week, because it’s so hard to have that many guys on the team at once.”As one of Penn State’s top backers, he’s up to three picks — all of which came in big moments — and 33 tackles. His role is unique in defensive coordinator Tom Allen’s 4-2-5 defense, as he fills multiple spots and make plays in coverage with experience as SAM linebacker. Senior MIKE backer Kobe King arrived at Penn State with DeLuca in 2021 and says the pair are very like-minded. He also laid out a comparison for DeLuca.“He’s like a mini version of Tyler Warren on the defense, because you can put him in any spot. He can do anything, and he can get the job done efficiently,” King sai
College Football Walk-On Penn State Dominic Deluca Tyler Warren Linebacker
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