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#54 LB Dillon Lucas
Junior, 6'0" 230lbs.
Medford, NJ
2012 Stats: After a tremendous freshman season that put Lucas in the running for national freshman of the year, the outside linebacker suffered a slight sophomore slump in 2012. He recorded only 37.5 total tackles (down from 69) and saw his sack numbers drop from 2 to 1.5, though he generated 6.5 tackles for loss, more than double his freshman number.
Depth Chart Position: Lucas was a big surprise for coaches in the 2011 preseason camp, winning a starting spot at linebacker despite being undersized (at the time). He will likely continue to hold onto his starting job in 2013.
How He Came To Villanova: As a senior at Shawnee High School in New Jersey, Lucas was receiving interest from Buffalo and Duke in addition to Villanova. Blue Devil Nation reported that Lucas held an offer from the North Carolina school back in 2010, but the chose to stay close to home at Villanova.
Expected Output In 2013: Coaches reportedly thought about redshirting Dillon Lucas after he had his second offseason shoulder surgery this Spring, but the now-veteran linebacker asked to keep playing this Fall. Expect an improvement over his sophomore numbers, but his freshman production will be tough to match now that the defensive unit is stronger as a whole. Lucas has been a leader on the defense and will likely to continue to play like one.