Penn State end Jesse Luketa says future isn't decided yet, talks Senior Day and more
Penn State defensive end Jesse Luketa accepted a Senior Bowl invitation earlier this week.
It doesn’t guarantee that the veteran defender from Canada is leaving after the 2021 season, though.
Luketa will participate in Senior Day on Saturday when the Nittany Lions host Rutgers at Beaver Stadium. He pointed to some current teammates who did so last year but ultimately returned for another season as an example of the decision he still must make.
Some NFL Draft analysts have called the defensive end a top-100 player in the next rookie class. The other side of the coin, however, says that Luketa could rise prospect boards even more by putting another standout season on film.
“I’m always looking to refine my success and try to improve my ability on the field,” Luketa said. “That’s just something that, at the end of the season, I just got to sit down and evaluate with my family, my whole support system. I’m not really worried about that right now. Just focused on Rutgers this week and finishing the season.”
Penn State used Luketa as a linebacker for the majority of his time in blue and white. Facing a shortage at defensive end, it moved him up front before the 2021 season, and it was a brilliant decision. Through 10 games, he has 47 tackles (six for loss) and is the unquestioned starter opposite fellow Senior Bowl invitee Arnold Ebiketie. That became the case early in the year following an offseason battle with Nick Tarburton, who also still plays plenty.
“I’m an aggressive defender being that much closer to the ball,” Luketa said. “Quickly, I diagnose things faster with my eyes and I just let my body take over. That move not only benefited the defense, but myself included. So, you know, I feel this has paid off.”
Luketa was asked a number of other questions, as well. He’s the feature of this week’s BWI Penn State Q&A.
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On the Senior Bowl
“It’s a blessing. It’s a testament to my hard work,” Luketa said. “I came back for this exact reason. Being able to display my versatility and help the defense at of position that we were hurting in after a guy like [Adisa Isaac] goes down.
“The way I play football, whenever I’m out there with this defense, I’m giving everything I got. Just being able to have that recognition is a blessing.”
What is his Senior Day plan?
“I’m looking forward to Senior Day,” Luketa said.
“Having guys like Tariq Castro-Fields and [Jaquan Brisker], who participated in it last year, and it meant everything to have them come back. So, I’m excited.”
How does he feel about his Penn State career to this point?
“It’s been quite a journey. It’s gone by fast, honestly. This past week has just been so surreal for me, just finally looking back on my journey and just saying, ‘wow, four years goes by like that,’ but it’s been a great experience, my time at Penn State.”
The difference between Jesse Luketa the defensive end in April compared to now is what?
“I’d say my level of comfortability know,” Luketa said. “Things, when I’m in the game, they come much easier and more natural. I can say, in the first two games at the beginning the season, I was comfortable, but I hadn’t had as much game experience at the position.
“As the season progressed, I started to feel more comfortable, just trying different moves, different stances, and whatnot. I’d say that’s the biggest thing.”
