Tyrone senior Denver Light made his commitment to Penn State University football official today on the first day of the NCAA’s early signing period.

Light will join the esteemed Nittany Lions football team next season a preferred walk-on and is expected to play linebacker.

Last season for the Eagles Light averaged 12 tackles per game. In his career at quarterback, Light had over 2,500 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 162 completions.

After signing his official commitment letter, Light spoke with Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin and defensive coordinator Brent Pry on Facetime.

“You made a great choice,” said Coach Franklin to Light, one of newest members of his 2018 recruiting class.

As a preferred walk-on, Light will not be on scholarship but plans to work hard to accomplish that goal in the future.

“They have a lot of success with walk-on linebackers. I know every year there is usually a [former walk-on] guy competing for a spot. I guess it just depends on what I want to do with it. I would obviously like to start and play,” said Light in an Eagle Eye interview earlier this year.

Light will likely redshirt in the fall, but may still have the opportunity to see the field if he continues to work hard and things go his way.

“I know a couple of guys who went as linebacker walk-ons. I know Josh Hull pretty well. He walked on from Penns Valley and ended up receiving a scholarship and starting his senior year,” said Light.

Light was joined by his family, mother Rebecca, dad Jon, his brother Gage, and his grandparents.  Senior Tyrone football players Adam Gearhart, Tyler Gunsallus, Connor Wertz, and Cory Lehman were also there support their friend and teammate, along with lifting coach Fred Dorman, Tyrone varsity head coach Jason Wilson and assistant coach Pat McNelis. Representing the school district at the signing was high school principal Tom Yoder and superintendent Cathy Harlow.

“I would like thank my boys for sticking with me since my move to Tyrone,” said Light to his teammates.  Light also specifically thanked coach McNelis, Wilson and Dorman and his family for helping to make his dream to play for Penn State football a reality.

Light is undecided on a major but leaning toward kinesiology with the goal of pursuing physical therapy or strength training.