Each issue of The Penn Stater magazine features a short profile of a current Penn State student-athlete, but back in the fall of 2012, we tweaked that formula ever so slightly, interviewing Lucas during his post-grad year at a Massachusetts prep school, months before he had actually arrived on campus. We felt like Lucas was a fitting exception: He wasn’t the highest rated recruit in Penn State’s 2012 class, but he was the first to sign on after the hiring of Bill O’Brien. He committed to Penn State at a time when committing to Penn State wasn’t necessarily an easy thing to do.

On Tuesday it was announced that an injury had brought a premature end to Lucas’ career. His production over the previous three and a half seasons means he’ll have a chance to prove himself for NFL scouts, and his engaging personality means we’ll probably see him on camera—like he was at last year’s media day—talking about the game sooner than later. Regardless, Penn State fans won’t soon forget him. How could we when he’s got the symbol of our best tattooed on his chest?

Best of luck, Jordan. And thanks.

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