Another Western Pennsylvania prep standout will look to play a significant role for the Nittany Lion defense this season. Cornerback Jesse Della Valle saw significant repetitions with the first and second-team defenses during spring practice and should have an opportunity to win a spot in the secondary rotation. The former all-state honoree at Shaler Area High School is a talented and instinctive student-athlete with a bright future. In the 2012 Blue-White game, he grabbed an interception and returned it 35 yards. Della Valle earned Dean's List recognition during the spring semester, brought a 3.36 cumulative grade-point average into the summer and is a potential Academic All-Big Ten candidate. He is among 16 Nittany Lion returnees from Western Pennsylvania.
2011 Sophomore Season
Della Valle made his Nittany Lion debut in the season opener against Indiana State.
2010 Freshman Season
Redshirt season.
High School
Della Valle was a three-year letterman for Coach Neil Gordon at Shaler Area High School. He was selected second-team Class AAAA all-state. He also was named to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Fabulous 22 and the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Terrific 25. He played in the East-West All-Star game and grabbed two interceptions, returning one 75 yards for a touchdown. He finished his senior year with 1,600 all-purpose yards, with 718 rushing yards, 726 receiving yards and 156 return yards, with 28 touchdowns. On defense, Della Valle recorded 56 tackles, seven sacks and five interceptions. He also was a four-year starter on the basketball team.
Personal
Full name is Jesse Philip Della Valle. He is the son of Phil and Cindy Della Valle and has an older brother, Nick, and a younger sister, Gina. He enjoys playing sports and spending time with family and friends. Della Valle is majoring in advertising/public relations. Born July 13, 1991 in Pittsburgh, Pa.
