BY DONALD HUNT
Kutztown University opened the college football season ranked No. 10 in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II poll. The Golden Bears has some terrific players on their team. Jalen DeVose, a former La Salle College High School star, is one of the top returning players. DeVose was key a player on the Golden Bears 12-3 team, which captured a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference East, PSAC and Super Region championships. Although DeVose was excited with all the attention, he wasn’t too surprised with the preseason national ranking.
“Kind of what we expect,” DeVose said. “I’m not going to lie. We have real good teams every year. We’ve only gotten better and better. The biggest thing with the ranking we just want to go week by week. It’s cool to be ranked, but we expected it. So, it’s kind of like we’re ready to get going.”
DeVose, a 5-1, 220-pound linebacker, had 58 total and 33 solo tackles along with two sacks and one interception. He made a lot of plays on defense with his tackling ability.
In addition to Kutztown University and La Salle, DeVose has played some great football throughout his career. He had a good foundation playing football as a youngster growing up.
“I played competitive football my whole life,” he said. “I played for the Enon Eagles [youth football team]. My 105 [pound] team went to the Pop Warner Finals down in Florida. I’ve been playing in big moments and these big games all my life. It’s just nice to continue being on a good team. D’Andre Swift [former St. Joseph’s Prep standout who now plays for the Chicago Bears] played for Enon. They produce a lot of good young men.”
DeVose, a graduate student, earned his undergraduate degree in psychology. He is currently working on his master’s degree in business administration. Kutztown University opened up their season winning their first two games. The Golden Bears head to Erie this Saturday where they face Gannon University and DeVose will head into this season with plenty of success on and off the field.
Jalen DeVose in last year's game vs. East Stroudsburg. (Photo/ Kutztown Unversity Athletics)
La Salle College High School Alum and Kutztown University Linebacker Jalen DeVose. (Photo/ Kutztown University Athletics)