Penn State linebacker Jesse Luketa declares for 2022 NFL Draft; how will the Lions replace him?
Tampa, Fla. — Penn State linebacker Jesse Luketa has declared for the 2022 NFL Draft.
The multi-year starter for the Nittany Lions thrived at defensive end in 2021 after starting his career as a middle linebacker. He did, of course, return to that position on Saturday during an Outback Bowl loss to Arkansas.
“I’d also like to personally thank Coach [James] Franklin and Coach [Brent] Pry for all that they have done for me over the past four years,” Luketa wrote in a statement posted to Twitter. “I’d also like to thank my “village” of supporters throughout the years who allowed all of this to come to fruition.
To my family, thank you for all the unconditional love and support. From the time I left home (Canada) to pursue my dream of playing collegiate football at the highest level, you guys were there throughout the entire process!
“With that being said, after speaking with my family, I have decided to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft! It has been an honor to represent the Blue S White and enter battle in the greatest stadium in the world! Beaver Stadium and Nittany Nation, I will miss you!”
Luketa was eligible to come back for another season. He was emotional on the sideline as his final game at Penn State reached its conclusion. He then told reporters after the game that he was not yet ready to announce his decision to return to Penn State or leave. The defensive end/linebacker then did so a short while later.
“I’m a huge Jesse Luketa fan,” Franklin said. “I will pound the table for him with every single NFL team, GM, coaches. The guy is a football player. He loves football. He’s a great teammate. He’s played a lot of different positions. And as we all know, whether it’s the NFL or any other industry, the more things that you can do to bring value, the better. So I’m proud of him.
“He’s smart, he’s physical. He does a lot of different things. And obviously, you know, with our linebacker situation, that was something that was going to have to happen and he embraced it and I thought he played his tail off.”
How will Penn State replace Luketa?
Luketa was a multi-use weapon for now-former defensive coordinator Brent Pry’s unit during his time in State College. His ability to play both middle linebacker and defensive end was key for the Lions this fall. Luketa had 61 tackles (8.5 for loss) and an interception in 2021.
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Penn State fans saw one possible replacement for Luketa’s end spot in Smith Vilbert. The third-year defender tied an Outback Bowl record with three sacks in the 24-10 setback against the Razorbacks.
“I’m excited for him because he continues to grow as a defensive end and as a football player,” Luketa said.
“Sky’s the limit for him. I see him being as dominant as anyone in the country. So I’m extremely excited him.”
At linebacker, the Lions will also need a younger player to step up and fill the middle spot Luketa and Ellis Brooks. Two of the possible options include Tyler Elsdon and Kobe King.
“Looking forward to what they’re going to be able to contribute to linebacker legacy,” Luketa said.
