While Norwin football has struggled to compete with the top teams in the WPIAL for the past several years, the Knights have produced several Division I players during that time. Gianni Rizzo ranks among the most prominent former Knights, as he thrived as a crucial part of Duquesne University’s defense this campaign. Rizzo is in the spotlight in the latest installment of the Westmoreland Alum Q&A.

Rizzo burst onto the scene during his junior year at Norwin in 2017, when he racked up 39 receptions for 507 yards, scoring three touchdowns. As a linebacker defensively, he compiled 49 tackles, five sacks, one interception, and two forced fumbles. That year, Norwin went 3-3 in conference play, qualifying for the WPIAL Class 6A playoffs. However, the Knights fell to Pine-Richland in the postseason opener, finishing the slate with an overall mark of 5-6.

In Rizzo’s senior season, he notched 21 receptions for 542 yards, rushed 22 times for 139 yards, and scored 12 total touchdowns. He also completed a pass for four yards and a touchdown. On the other side of the ball, Rizzo amassed 72 tackles, six sacks, one interception, and a forced fumble. Norwin went 3-7 overall, including 2-6 in the conference, and failed to qualify for postseason play.

Rizzo also was a standout in track and field at Norwin, setting the school record in the 200-meter dash, in addition to being part of the record-setting 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams.

His future was in football, however, as he matriculated to Youngstown State University as a linebacker for the 2019 season. That year, Rizzo redshirted, appearing in two games on special teams. The Penguins achieved a mark of 6-6 overall, but went just 2-6 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC).

The following season was altered by COVID, as YSU shifted to a spring season in 2021. That campaign, Rizzo played in six contests, registering three tackles. YSU sputtered, going just 1-6 in an abbreviated conference-only slate.

Back to the traditional fall season in 2021, Rizzo appeared in six games, making three tackles and forcing a fumble. The Penguins posted a mark of 3-7 overall, including 2-6 in the MVFC.

Following three years in Youngstown, Rizzo transferred back to Pittsburgh, joining Duquesne University for the 2022 season. In 11 games, Rizzo compiled 32 tackles, one sack, and two passes defensed. The Dukes went 4-7 overall, with a record of 3-4 in the Northeast Conference (NEC).

Rizzo enjoyed a breakthrough campaign this season, as he played in a dozen contests, registering 68 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and three passes defensed. For his play, Rizzo was recognized as Second-Team All-NEC at linebacker. Duquesne went 6-1 in the NEC, qualifying for the NCAA FCS Championship tournament. However, the Dukes lost to Youngstown State 40-7 in the first round, ending the year with a record of 7-5.

With the season in the rear view, Gianni took time to answer questions about his transfer from YSU to Duquesne, how track and field benefitted his football career, and the place he hopes to soon visit.

Q: How have you elevated your level of play this season?

A: In the offseason, I trained with Tim Cortazzo over at FSQ Sports Training. I decided to cut some weight for this season and get some of my old speed back. It was a game changer this year.

Q: You were recently named the conference defensive player of the week. What did that award mean to you?

A: It meant a great deal. It’s just a testament to all my hard work I put in, and I’m glad it paid off.

Q: What are some of the underrated aspects of excelling at linebacker?

A: You have to play smart. Just because you’re the fastest and hardest-hitting kid doesn’t mean you’re the best linebacker. You MUST learn the defense and gameplan to excel at the position.

Q: What have been the biggest factors in Duquesne's success this year?

A: Playing team football. Our defense and offense complement each other. When one fails, the other picks us up.

Q: What team and individual goals did you set for 2023?

A: None. I just wanted to win. Not in a million years would I think I would have got Second Team All-Conference this year; very grateful.

Q: What were the biggest takeaways from your time at Youngstown State?

A: Youngstown taught me a lot. I learned from a lot of different coaches at Youngstown and learned different ways to play the LB position.

Q: What led to your decision to transfer to Duquesne?

A: Bo Pelini was the coach who recruited me, and he left Youngstown for LSU after my freshman season. After that, my LB coach left for the NFL. So, it was tough with them leaving and with the new staff, stuff didn’t work out.

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

A: My major is supply chain management. I guess my ideal profession is something in that field haha.

Q: You also competed in track and field in high school. How did that sport benefit you?

A: Running track in high school helped me tremendously. I recommend it for every football athlete. It helped with my recruiting to show coaches my speed.

Q: What was your fondest memory at Norwin?

A: Probably winning the 4x400 state championship in track my sophomore year.

Q: Who was the best individual player you faced in high school?

A: Joey Porter Jr. (of North Allegheny who now plays for the Steelers).

Q: To which movie or TV show can you recite nearly every line?

A: The other guys.

Q: What is your favorite vacation spot, or a place you've always wanted to visit?

A: Italy, for sure - hopefully this summer.