By: Pasquale Tartaro, GoPSUSports.com
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Do-it-all defender Jesse Luketa snagged a one-handed interception and returned it for a 19-yard touchdown en route to Penn State's 44-13 win over Ball State.
"That was the best interception I've ever seen," junior Marquis Wilson said. "I lost my mind, I wish I could've ran on the field like it was practice."
"It was great to see. Everyone's happy for Jesse," senior Jonathan Sutherland said. "That was an outstanding play, and it just speaks to his athleticism and the football player he is."
Luketa's impressive play in the third quarter not only marked the first interception of his career, but Penn State's first pick-six since cornerback John Reid scored against another MAC opponent, Buffalo, in 2019.
Though his utility on the field is undeniable, Luketa's unselfishness is what has allowed him to become his own unique version of a swiss army knife.
"I'm super proud of Jesse," head coach James Franklin said."He didn't really know what his role was going to be coming into the season. He just trusted the coaches, he trusted the program and right now, he's impacting the defensive end, he's impacting linebacker."
Luketa, who played at the linebacker position for his first three seasons under defensive coordinator Brent Pry, has been rapidly improving as a defensive end.
Luketa showcased his versatility against Wisconsin, as he played 47 snaps on the defensive line and 22 at linebacker.
With linebacker Ellis Brooks sidelined for the first half against Ball State, Luketa started at linebacker, then later moved back to defensive end.
Regardless of his encouraging progression, however, Luketa still believes that he has much room to improve.
"I cant get complacent, there's a lot for me to clean up, as far as the run game, the pass game," Luketa said. "I've been making plays, but I feel like there's more plays that I've left on the field that I gotta capitalize on."
The Nittany Lions held the Cardinals, who were 4-16 on third down, to just 69 total rushing yards and 295 yards of total offense.
Through two games, the Penn State defense has forced 5 turnovers, whereas its offense has yet to commit one.
Moreover, Luketa believes that the challenges presented by last year's unprecedented season has helped shaped the sense of confidence that has emitted from his defense throughout the past few weeks.
"Our mentality is different. The grit we're playing with, we're hungry," Luketa said. "This past season we were humbled, myself included. We're a tight knit group."
Early on, the Nittany Lions defense has showcased collective resiliency and poise, forcing multiple stops inside of the redzone.
"When we get into these situations, we bend but we don't break," Luketa said. "That's just been a point of emphasis."
