The State CollegeWhether Penn State players remember any of the lyrics when they sing the university’s alma mater at the conclusion of each home game, let alone the additional gestures and interjections the student section adds, is typically up for debate.
However, Dom DeLuca led Penn State’s team in their first-ever College Football Playoff victory at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, defeating SMU 38–11. He held on to every word, and when the song came to a close, he was among the few who bowed toward the floor, belting out the last line at full throat after the student section’s slow crescendo.
For the past three years, DeLuca embodies every quality James Franklin aspires for in a Penn State player. Born in West Pittston, Pennsylvania, the linebacker is the proud owner of the honorary No. 0 jersey, a two-year captain, and one of the team’s greatest tales of a walk-on who now receives a scholarship.
It was only fitting that DeLuca was at the heart of it all on a day when the Nittany Lions had an opportunity to accomplish something that no other squad had ever done in the program’s nearly 137-year history.
In order to start the scoring and cement his place in CFP record books, he caught two interceptions, the first of which was for a touchdown. An SMU scoring opportunity was stopped by the second.
With five tackles and a half-sack, DeLuca finished third on the team. He was everywhere, and on Saturday, he was among the last players to celebrate by leaving the field.
After the victory, coach James Franklin remarked, “Dom is just a baller.” You mention a player who won a state title despite having a torn ACL, was named Pennsylvania Player of the Year, arrived as a walk-on, received a scholarship, and grey-shirted to get here.
On December 21, 2024, in the first quarter, Penn State linebacker Dominic DeLuca returns an interception for a score.
[email protected] Joe [email protected] Joe Hermitt
Halfway through the first quarter, DeLuca dropped into a midfield zone as SMU faced a second-and-10 from its own 20-yard line. Under duress, Kevin Jennings, the quarterback for the Mustangs, floated a pass off his back foot and delivered his checkdown straight into DeLuca’s hands.
As he reached the goal line, the former Wyoming Area quarterback rumbled 26 yards to the end zone and pointed to the student section ahead. After two lackluster offensive series against Penn State, teammates surrounded him, sensing a change in momentum.
That was DeLuca’s second pick-6 of his career, and he usually has a knack for football (Delaware, 2023). At Penn State, he has already been responsible for five interceptions, two forced fumbles, and seven turnovers.
“His ability to come here as a walk-on, earn a scholarship, and develop into a really, really good player for us is a testament to his grit and toughness,” defensive coordinator Tom Allen said. You mentioned the shrewdness. He is among the most intelligent athletes I have ever worked with. He prepared and studied for a long period. He is a very good predictor.
Above all, he is an exceptionally talented musician. He’s a man who has really stepped up for us. He has been incredibly reliable every week. I’m so proud of him. He is deserving of every accolade he receives.
On Dec. 21, 2024, after Penn State defeated SMU 38–10, defensive coordinator Tom Allen cracks jokes with linebacker Dominic DeLuca.
[email protected] Joe [email protected] Joe Hermitt
DeLuca was meant to be in confrontation with Jennings as he read for a run-pass option play on his second interception. However, DeLuca read Jennings’ eyes, stormed the backside edge, and reacted fast to a pass on second-and-goal from Penn State 7. To give Penn State’s offense some breathing room, he tipped an attempted slant in the air and pulled it down himself before running a further 14 yards.
The SMU sideline lost all of its fire as Drew Allar and company marched nine plays and 75 yards for a touchdown.
Linebacker Tony Rojas, the owner of another pick-6 on Saturday, stated, “He’s the same person every day as soon as I step on campus, whether it’s leading all the young guys like me and [Ta Mere] Robinson and stuff like that.” His positive outlook, work ethic, and attitude all come together in his daily approach to practice.
If you ask everybody in the building, Dom has done everything correctly since I arrived, from Year 1 to Year 3. According to defensive end Abdul Carter, “He always does his job right, 100% effort, and always in the right position.” He simply does things correctly. And as a result, he creates plays on the field. It’s all visible.
DeLuca, whose No. 0 jersey symbolizes a remarkable team player who is a physical leader who is tough, dependable, and disciplined, is a great way to give appreciation to his teammates. When asked to consider his path to this point, he hardly batted an eye, and he didn’t acknowledge a career day while seated in the Beaver Stadium media room on Saturday.
DeLuca stated bluntly, “I’m just trying to celebrate with my brothers, go 1-0 each week.” It is really great to be able to advance to the first round of the playoffs, and I can’t wait to rejoice with my brothers.
There may be fewer college football stories like DeLuca’s. With numerous ramifications from an upcoming House settlement for the NCAA, clubs will no longer have an 85-scholarship cap on rosters beginning next season. Instead, they will be restricted to 105 players overall. Walk-ons, who often fill the final few spaces on rosters with more over 110 members, will be gradually phased out, and scholarships will be less clearly defined.
A smile has come to his face. He is grateful. Franklin claimed that he works really hard, trusted us when we discussed the roles we wanted to cast him in, and has performed flawlessly in every role we have asked him to portray.
He continued, “College football has seen a lot of changes, but this is one of them that I’m having trouble with because there have been so many unique stories over the years of walk-ons.” They have contributed significantly to the game and our history, regardless of whether they have received a scholarship. The thought that perhaps Dom wouldn’t be here if these regulations had been in effect makes me a little sad.
Nevertheless, DeLuca had one of the most significant days in Penn State history on Saturday.
Stories by
Max Ralph
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!