After graduating in 2010, Nick DiMarco has had an eventful four years since his graduation. The 22-year-old, 6-foot-2, 237-pound linebacker went to William Penn University of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), which is just below the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III. While at William Penn, DiMarco set the school sack record last season with 13 sacks.

DiMarco had 55 tackles, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and three blocked kicks during his last season for William Penn. This earned the undrafted rookie a short time with the New York Jets.

However, DiMarco was later cut after rookie minicamp because the team already had enough depth at the linebacker position. After being cut by the Jets, to his surprise, DiMarco got a call from the Baltimore Ravens. During his preseason with the Ravens, Dimarco had two tackles, one sack and one assist.

  “It was surreal,” DiMarco said. “After I was cut by the Jets, I thought my NFL career was over.”

   DiMarco is the second player from FHN to go on to the NFL. The first player was Brandon Carter, who was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Minnesota Vikings after playing college football for the University of Northern Iowa as part of the NCAA Division I, which is the top division in the NCAA.   

“He [DiMarco] had a good motor, he was very fast, coordinated, a hard worker,” former FHN football coach John Brune said. “[He was] extremely committed to making himself better.”

   DiMarco has been described by his former FHN teammate Jake Schneider as an extremely hard worker on and off the field. He has also been described as someone who never gives up on anything, and always tries to improve.

  “He was the most intense player I ever played with,” Schneider said. “He never gave up on a play and he had one of the best motors I’ve ever seen. Off the field, he was one of the most dedicated players. He was always in the gym trying to get better.”

   Currently, DiMarco is without a team after he was cut by the Ravens after the preseason. Despite this cut, DiMarco is still hopeful that he will have another chance to play in the NFL. This winter, DiMarco will decide whether he wants to continue his training as a possible backup for the Ravens or go on to a different career. If his football career doesn’t work out, DiMarco plans to become a fitness coach for the NFL or a college football team.

   “I’ve received interest from a few other teams, obviously I’m still on the Ravens’ radar if anyone gets hurt, so I need to stay in shape throughout the season,” DiMarco said. “This winter I’ll decide if I still want to go after it or just go into the strength and conditioning world.”