Penn linebacker Tommy Powlus will wear the Blue and Gold colors of Notre Dame next season as a preferred walk-on with the Fighting Irish Football team.
Powlus, 6-foot-1, 207 pounds, has 51 tackles through 10 games this season. He also has two tackles for loss, forced one fumble, and has two quarterback pressures.
“I chose to be a PWO at Notre Dame because I know this is the best decision for me in terms of academics and football,” Powlus said. “I also chose this because I know Notre Dame will set me up for success in the near and distant future.”
Powlus is a three-year starter for the Kingsmen. He has helped the Penn defense post shutouts in six of 10 games so far this season. The Kingsmen won the Northern Indiana Conference with an unbeaten record.
“Penn football has set me up for college football by teaching me physical and mental preparation,” Powlus said. “Whether this is through weightlifting, practice, or playing games, Penn’s football program has helped me strive for excellence.”
Tommy’s father, Ron Powlus, was a four-year starter at Notre Dame from 1994-1997. His brother Ron was part of the Notre Dame Football Program as a quarterback.
“My family and I live and die by Notre Dame,” Powlus said. “We are very thankful for the amount of opportunities Notre Dame has given us. Committing to Notre Dame after my brother and father both played there is a very humbling and special experience for me and I can’t wait to be a part of the University!”