Former Penn State football walk-on Dominic DeLuca has ended his five-year stint in Happy Valley and is heading to the pros. The captain finished his career in blue and white as a fan-favorite, with 57 appearances in total for Penn State.

DeLuca’s career began as a walk-on after receiving little to no interest from football programs across the country. DeLuca attended Wyoming Area High School in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. He led the team to a PIAA State title as a senior in 2019, despite suffering a torn ACL. Post-graduation, he took a chance on himself and enrolled at Penn State. DeLuca, against all odds, attempted to walk into one of the most competitive rosters in college football.

As a freshman in 2021, DeLuca appeared in just three games for the Nittany Lions, recording zero tackles. His sophomore season saw a major leap in his production. He played in 13 games, totaling 29 tackles along with two for a loss, one sack, and a pass breakup.

Heading into the 2023 season, DeLuca was awarded a scholarship by James Franklin and Penn State. In week two of the 2023 season, he returned an interception 26 yards for a touchdown vs. Delaware, named Defensive Player of the Week for his performance. DeLuca appeared in every game for the Nittany Lions, proving to be one of the most reliable players on the team. Midway through the season, he was named a Burlsworth Trophy nominee, given to the nation’s most outstanding walk-on. DeLuca again recorded 29 tackles, adding 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack, two forced fumbles, three pass breakups, two interceptions, five passes defended, and one touchdown. DeLuca finished the season by earning the team’s John Bruno Memorial Award, recognizing Penn State’s most outstanding special teams player.

In 2024, DeLuca appeared in 15 games, making five starts on the way to a semifinal appearance. The redshirt junior was voted a team captain for the season, during which he posted his best numbers yet. He posted 40 tackles, four for a loss, and three interceptions. DeLuca stepped up when it mattered most for the Nittany Lions in the playoffs. Against SMU in the first round, he caught two interceptions and returned one for a touchdown, earning him Defensive Player of the Game. Against Boise State in the second round, he recorded five total tackles (three solo), including a tackle for loss. 

The final season of his Penn State playing career came in 2025. The second-year captain played in all 13 games for the Nittany Lions, starting nine. He was awarded Coaching Staff Special Teams Player of the Week early in the fall against FIU for the second blocked punt of his career. DeLuca went on to have his most productive season to date, totaling 66 tackles (35 solo, 31 assists). Seven of those tackles were for loss, along with two sacks and three pass breakups.

Following his career year, DeLuca declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, knowing it would be an uphill battle. Without receiving an invite to the NFL combine in Indianapolis, DeLuca pushed extra hard to impress scouts during Penn State’s Pro Day.

DeLuca stands at 228 pounds and 6’1″, giving him a compact, sturdy frame as a linebacker. He recorded 11 reps on the bench press, showcasing solid upper-body strength. Athletically, he posted a 32.5″ vertical and a 9’8″ broad jump, reflecting good explosiveness. He also measured in at 6’2″ with a respectable wingspan, highlighting his ability to disrupt passing lanes. He ran a 4.63-second 40-yard dash and a 4.30-second pro shuttle, showing his speed and lateral quickness.

His profile fits the mold of a “smart, tough, durable” player. As a three-time team captain with a walk-on background, DeLuca is projected to bring leadership, intelligence, and high-effort intensity. His ability to fill in at linebacker and start on multiple special teams units is his biggest selling point.

DeLuca is slightly undersized for an NFL inside linebacker. This could limit his ability to shed blocks from NFL-sized offensive linemen. Playing as a gunner on special teams would be how DeLuca gets his foot in the door in the NFL. He would also likely play a role as a rotational linebacker, either the third or fourth string, as gunners often do.

Historically, the New England Patriots have always valued special-teams players like DeLuca. Bill Belichick and Joe Judge have left a special-teams impact in New England, as they still constantly rank high in special-teams metrics. Other teams that have recently prioritized special teams include the New York Jets, New York Giants, and Chicago Bears. The Los Angeles Chargers are ranked as top spenders on special teams, featuring high-cost, specialized talent at kicker, punter, and long snapper. All of these teams have shown significant spending on special teams or a high level of respect for the unit in the NFL Draft. It could be very possible that DeLuca finds himself on one of these teams in the summer.

His name is not found on any of the seven-round mock drafts from ESPN draft analysts. However, the toughness and determination that DeLuca showed for Penn State will make it hard for NFL GMs not to give him a chance. It would not be a surprise if he were signed as a priority undrafted free agent.

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23 to 25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Folks can follow the fun on NFL Network, ABC, and ESPN.