Nick DeLuca

Linebacker – Senior

North Dakota State

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe this Senior Bowl experience?

Nick DeLuca:  It’s been a really cool experience.  It’s been great meeting all of these guys, scouts and coaches from Denver and Houston.  It’s a great opportunity to compete.

Alex Khvatov:  How difficult was it to recover from a season-ending injury in 2016?

Nick DeLuca:  Coming off that injury, it was one of the hardest things that I have ever had to do.  I never had to sit out.  I had to take a step back and look at things from a different perspective.  It definitely made me a better player.  It was a process.  I got better as a result of it.

Alex Khvatov:  You have won a lot of games at North Dakota State.  What does it like to be a winner?

Nick DeLuca:  I am really fortunate to be a part of really good teams at NDSU.  They have a great tradition.  It is something that I will take with me to the next level.  It was great to go on top.

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths on the field?

Nick DeLuca:  I am an instinctive player.  I can read plays.  I have the quick reaction.

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Nick DeLuca:  Just continue to work on my technique.

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at North Dakota State?

Nick DeLuca:  I was an under recruited guy.  I had some attention from Nebraska as a walk-on.  It was the plan that I wanted to do.  I just wanted to be a part of that championship culture.  It led me to NDSU.

Alex Khvatov:  Who was the best player that you have played against?

Nick DeLuca:  Either David Johnson or Cooper Kupp.

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?

Nick DeLuca:  LB Jabril Cox.  He played a lot of games for us this year.  He brings a lot to the table.  He is a great player.  He will continue to grow and develop.

Alex Khvatov:  Finish the sentence, Nick DeLuca is….

Nick DeLuca:  Humble and a team player.