WPIAL Alumni Turning Pro

By: Bruce Markey
Thursday, July 28, 2011 | 12:00 AM

Now that the National Football League lockout has come to an end and its business as usual so to speak three former WPIAL gridiron stars have been invited to training camps throughout the country.

* Former Thomas Jefferson High School and University of Pittsburgh safety/linebacker Dom DeCicco has signed on with the Chicago Bears. The 6-4 230-pounder had 12 interceptions and 244 tackles in his career at Pitt. DeCicco helped lead Thomas Jefferson to a pair of WPIAL titles in 2004 and 2006 and a PIAA state crown in 2004.

* Former McKeesport High School and West Virginia University linebacker Anthony Leonard has signed on with the New England Patriots. The 6-1 246 pound Leonard started all 13 games last season for West Virginia and finished third on the team with 70 tackles including 6.5 for a loss.

* Former Woodland Hills High School and Notre Dame cornerback Darrin Walls has signed on with the Atlanta Falcons. The 6-0 190-pound Walls notched 41 tackles (30 solo) with two tackles for loss four passes defensed and three interceptions including one interception return for a touchdown last fall for the Irish. He totaled a team-best six pass breakups and added one interception with 27 tackles as a junior. The Pittsburgh PA native had a breakout year as a sophomore with 32 tackles (23 solo) 2.5 tackles for a loss nine passes defensed one interception and two forced fumbles.

Tags: Thomas Jefferson