Lucas Will Play a Vital Role on Lions’ D

Flashback to Penn State’s biggest game of the year last season, Michigan.

“The Whiteout” featured the largest crowd of the year.

Cornerback Jordan Lucas was ready to prove to the Big Ten and fans that he was going to be a thorn in opposing offensive’s sides.

Only five minutes into the ballgame and no score, the sophomore corner dropped back into zone coverage while Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner dropped back to pass. Gardner immediately locked onto wide receiver Jeremy Gallon and Lucas broke for the ball.

Lucas undercut Gardner and picked off the ball inside Michigan’s own 20. The interception let the then undefeated Wolverines know that Penn State was ready to play and the Nittany Lions would go on to win 43-40 in a four overtime thriller.

As a junior, opposing quarterbacks should be leary of throwing Lucas’ way this season, as new defensive coordinator Bob Shoop will implement an entirely new aggressive scheme. Lucas, one of the most aggressive players in the Penn State secondary, is excited for the challenge.

“I love it, as corner you want your coaches to have confidence in you to tell you line up against him and win your one-on-one battle,” says Lucas. “We will handle this in here and you stay out there and keep him on a island.”

To be able to take on the burden of lining up in man-to-man coverage, Lucas realizes there are aspects of his game that he must improve upon. Lucas says he’s been watching a lot of film and working on route recognition so he can read quarterbacks and receivers movements better.

With an aggressive style of defense, Lucas should have more interception opportunities because of constant pressure from the defensive line and blitzing linebackers.

Last year, Lucas tallied three interceptions and was tied for third in the Big Ten in pass breakups with 16. Along with improving his game on the field, Lucas has taken a big leadership role within the program.

“This is my second year playing on the field so I kind of had to put that upon myself and then with coaches we talk about it all the time,” Lucas says of leadership. “It takes a lot to be a leader but when the season gets here I am going to try and be the best leader I can.”

Other players on the team are noticing the hard work and leadership transformation.

Senior defensive end C.J. Olaniyan, a teammate that Lucas calls his role model, believes that Lucas is poised for a big season.

“Throughout this summer and this spring Lucas has been impressing me because he’s becoming more of a vocal leader, leading by example, coming to everything on time and putting in work,” says Olaniyan.

Lucas has never been one to be with shy with his words on or off the field. Watching him play, an observer will notice he is not afraid mix things up with the opposition and speak his mind. During the Signature Event over the winter Lucas stated to former Penn State All-American linebacker LaVar Arrington that he was aware that Penn State is known as “Linebacker U” but it is also is going to be known as “DB U.”

“You think I said it just because? This is something me and the other defensive backs have been talking about all the time,” says Lucas. “Things are going to start to change this year.”