Standout Tyrone linebacker, Denver Light, recently committed to play football on scholarship at Division 1 Fordham University next fall.  However, Light’s plans abruptly changed Saturday morning before the Penn State vs. Michigan State game. 

Light was scheduled to meet with Penn State linebacker coach and Altoona native, Brent Pry, but had no idea that he was about to be given the opportunity to fulfill his childhood dream of playing linebacker at Penn State University. 

“I’ve known Coach Pry for a while, he has been helping me out with technique. He just invited me to a game. I didn’t think anything was going to come from it. But before the game, they pulled me down to meet with Coach Franklin. We sat down and talked, and he offered me a PWO (preferred walk-on) for football,” said Light, “I was pumped. I was fired up”.

The Tyrone senior has been on the radar of Penn State’s coaches for a while, but Light did not expect the offer to be made.  

“Throughout the summer I didn’t think [Penn State] was going to give me anything,” said Light.

All that changed on Saturday.

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.

Light will redshirt next fall, but may still have the opportunity to see the field if he continues to work hard and things go his way- under new NCAA rules.

“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.

Tyrone Head Coach Jason Wilson is excited for Light.

“Denver is a great athlete and team leader. He has a tremendous work ethic and it’s a great accomplishment for his hard work to pay off,” said Wilson.

Tyrone linebacker Coach, Pat McNelis, is also looking forward to seeing what Light can do at the next level.

“He’s made a lot of physical improvements over the past couple of years. Just by looking at him you can tell,” said McNelis, “Being around the varsity speed of the game for four years has made everything seem slow to him. He can diagnose and get to the ball.”

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

“I hope to become the best student-athlete I can. To push my future teammates and leave a mark, ” said Light.

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