During his first three seasons playing football at Norwin, Luke Denny was an under-the-radar contributor. During his senior campaign, however, he exploded onto the scene, becoming one of the top players in the WPIAL. Now, he’s a valuable piece in the secondary at Lehigh University. Denny is under the microscope in this installment of the Westmoreland Alum Q&A.

In his freshman year at Norwin in 2020, Denny posted just one carry on offense. In that season, which was abbreviated by COVID, the Knights compiled a mark of 1-6, both overall and in conference play, failing to qualify for the WPIAL playoffs.

The next season, Denny registered four carries for five yards on offense, and added 27 tackles on defense. Although the Knights improved to 4-6 overall, including 2-5 in the conference, they still missed the postseason.

In 2022, Denny posted 34 carries for 175 yards, scoring four touchdowns. Collectively, Norwin went just 1-9 overall and 0-5 in the conference slate, failing to advance to the playoffs.

As a senior in 2023, however, Denny emerged as a superstar. He amassed 44 receptions for 1,046 yards, rushed seven times for 29 yards, and scored 11 total touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, he recorded 60 tackles, one interception, and eight pass breakups. During his incredible campaign, he set the school records for single-game and season receiving yardage. He was recognized as an All-State honoree at receiver, as well as an All-Conference performer at safety. Norwin once again came up short of the postseason, though, finishing 3-7 overall, including 2-3 in the conference.

Denny, who also participated in basketball and was a star in track and field at Norwin, opted to continue his football career at the Division I level, as he matriculated to Lehigh University as a safety.

As a freshman in 2024, Denny did not see any game action. That year, the Mountain Hawks went 9-4 overall, highlighted by a 5-1 mark in Patriot League. Lehigh qualified for the NCAA FCS playoffs, edging the University of Richmond before losing to the University of Idaho in the second round.

Last season, Denny played in all 13 games, making a pair of starts. In that action, he racked up 20 tackles, one interception, and three passes defensed. The Mountain Hawks enjoyed a stellar season, going 12-1 overall, including a perfect 7-0 conference record to win the Patriot League. From there, Lehigh advanced to the NCAA FCS postseason, but came up short against Villanova University in the second round.

This season, Denny has started all six games. Thus far, he’s accumulated 24 tackles, two interceptions, and four passes defensed. Lehigh is off to another outstanding start, winning all six of its games, including a 4-0 record in the Patriot League.

Luke set aside time to respond to questions about his thoughts about the NCAA adopting the 5-for-5 rule, his fondest memory at Norwin, and the advice he’d give himself as a high school freshman.

Q: How have you judged your play thus far this season?

A: I feel like I've been playing with a lot more confidence this year. I have been taking my preparation and practices seriously, which makes playing on Saturdays a lot easier.

Q: What has been your biggest area of growth during your career at Lehigh?

A: Again, my confidence and reaction time.

Q: The Mountain Hawks went 12-1 last year. What were the biggest aspects in that success?

A: Playing complementary football and being a player-led team.

Q: What team and individual goals have you established for this season?

A: Team goal - win a National Championship; individual goal – First-Team All-Patriot League.

Q: What was your reaction to the NCAA adopting the 5-for-5 rule regarding player eligibility?

A: I think it will have a positive impact…puts control on how long you can milk out playing college football.

Q: What factored into your decision to attend Lehigh?

A: The bonds each brother held with one another. The coaching staff was one I wanted to play for and I knew the safety coach at the time would push me to be my absolute best.

Q: What is your major, and ideal future profession?

A: My major is economics. I’m not too sure what I see myself doing in the future, maybe something with medical sales or on a practice squad for an NFL team.

Q: Aside from football, what has been your favorite aspect of college?

A: The dudes on the team are my best friends, and spending time with them makes my college experience a lot better.

Q: What was your fondest high school memory at Norwin?

A: Just getting the pleasure to play on Friday nights in front of my community - something I will remember forever.

Q: Last season, Knights football enjoyed a breakthrough season. What was your reaction to witnessing that?

A: I always stay in tune with the Knights. I enjoyed seeing some of the dudes from when I was there really grow into young men and good athletes.

Q: You also competed in basketball and track and field. What were the benefits of those sports?

A: Just staying in shape and never losing work ethic.

Q: What is your favorite football movie?

A: Greater or The Longest Yard

Q: What is your favorite social media app?

A: Instagram

Q: Who would you choose to portray yourself in a movie about your life?

A: Brad Pitt

Q: What advice would you give yourself as a high school freshman?

A: All you need is one year to be great.