MOBILE, Ala. — Coming from Canada, Jesse Luketa did not have a smooth transition to Penn State. Leaving his home country and coming down to the United States to play football was not a decision that was easy to make. However, now at the Senior Bowl and on the cusp of making it to the NFL, it feels as if Luketa’s decision has been proven right.
Luketa’s family has eight kids. He just so happens to be the youngest of them all. That gave him a specific story growing up that shaped him into who he is today. Raised by his siblings, Luketa’s character, toughness, and leadership are displayed through that upbringing.
“I was raised by my siblings,” Luketa said. “I wouldn’t be here without them or their sacrifices. I’m eternally grateful for them every day of my life.”
For Luketa, the other siblingship he created was at Penn State after he arrived. Rooming with Ravens outside linebacker Odafe Oweh and Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, they showed Luketa the ropes and the way to practice. Without those guys, Luketa knows he would not be where he was today.
“It means everything to have guys like that,” Luketa said. “To be able to ask guys like Micah questions is huge, and we’re a tight-knit group. A lot of people don’t know, but I was roommates with Micah, Odafe Oweh, and Jahan Dotson. Those were guys that when talking to them, and they offered feedback. They were the standard. I see the way guys like Micah and Odafe played this last season and I want to live up to that. I’m really looking forward to what I’m able to do.”
Luketa’s rise at the Senior Bowl is something to watch. Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy named Luketa as a prospect to watch throughout the week. After a strong first day, Luketa’s well on his way to proving that right.
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