Freshman linebacker already competing for serious playing time

By Joe Parello 04/16/10

Executive Reporter

#45 Will Lucas makes one of his nine tackles on the day

Coach Butler and his former LB, Will Lucas

It takes a special player to contribute as a true freshman, especially at a position like linebacker, but the Boilermakers seems to think they have found one of those special guys.

Will Lucas, a mid-year enrollee from Lakeland, Fla., has impressed both players and coaches throughout the spring. When asked what he liked about Lucas’ game, head coach Danny Hope had one word for reporters.“Everything,” Hope said. “He’s really a good football player. He does all the things you want a football player to do. He loves the game, he’s very aggressive, he’s a big hitter... He sees what’s happening and he gets there in a hurry, he’s very sudden on the field.”
Coming from a Florida high school power like Lakeland, big time football is nothing new to Lucas. Still, there is a large adjustment to the Division I level for any player. But Lucas believes that he already possesses the speed and instincts to be successful, though he could afford to get a little bigger.

“As far as speed, it’s not that much different,” Lucas said. “Down in Florida, the linemen are more like tight ends, and they have really good speed. But, from a size standpoint, their much bigger and guys are more physical. I really need to get bigger and more physical now.” It is not just coaches, however, that have been impressed by the young strong side linebacker. Senior Jason Werner has been amazed by Lucas’ speed, but says being fast is not Lucas’ only strong point.
“One of the things I told him is, ‘If you’re confused, just go get the ball,’” Werner said with a chuckle. “He has a real knack for finding the ball and recognizing plays very quickly... When I first saw him play, I told myself, ‘He’s going to be all right.’ He just goes out and knows how to play football, and that’s raw just coming out of high school, so it would be hard to say he wouldn’t be a good player.”

A plethora of injuries this spring have given several young players extra reps in practice, and Lucas is one of them. Injuries to Werner and sophomore Antwon Higgs have forced coaches to take a longer look at the speedy, but undersized, freshman. Lucas has been working in with the starters, and knows he must seize the opportunity while he has it. “I’m taking advantage of every opportunity,” Lucas said. “I’m humble right now, this is the first time I’ve been working with the 1’s here and I’m just trying not to mess up my assignments.