Tronzo looking to prove himself at U of L

A chance to prove himself.

That's all Joe Tronzo wants. The all-state performer from Louisville's St. Xavier High School wants an opportunity to show he can compete at the college level.

Tronzo, who played both sides of the ball for St. Xavier's state championship team, is a gifted athlete with just one downfall - his size. At 5-foot-11, 235 pounds, Tronzo may have been overlooked by most Division I schools, but will enter this Fall with a chance to prove himself on a likely top 15 team.

"People have been telling me that I am too undersized and there's not a spot for me. But I am used to proving myself. If I have to earn my way, then I'll just pay my dues and prove that I deserve a spot on the team," he said.

Tronzo anchored the Tigers' defensive line this season, leading the team with 77 tackles, 10 sacks and 16 tackles for loss. For his efforts, Tronzo was one of four defensive linemen selected to the Courier-Journal's All State Team, joining Earl Heyman (Ballard), James McKinney (Central) and Blake Boyd (Madisonville). Tronzo also found work on the offensive side of the ball, using his massive frame to serve as the lead blocker on short yardage situations. Though the defensive line is where Tronzo's heart is, the fullback position is where he has the best chance to play in college.

"Joe can really catch the football and he's so strong that he makes for a great blocker. I beleive he can play fullback in Division I. He has a great attitude, a great work ethic and he's quick on his feet too," said St. Xavier head coach Mike Glaser.

Tronzo was only offered a handful of scholarships before signing day, but says he doesn't mind proving himself as a walk-on.

"I have an offer from Georgetown College. So now I was looking at them, Louisville, Purdue, Indiana and UK. I'm looking forward to playing at the University of Louisville this fall. If a scholarship turns up, that's great," said Tronzo. "I'm willing to walk-on. I am used to having to prove myself. Working for a spot on the team is no problem for me. Hopefully I can get a scholarship somewhere so I don't have to put the financial burden on my family. But if I can get a spot as a walk-on, that's the way it is".

Tronzo's case reminds Coach Glaser of a similar situation involving the Cards that happened not too long ago.

"A few years ago a guy named Will Rabatin headed down to Georgetown, played a few seasons and then came up and walked on at Louisville," said Glaser. "He worked hard, earned a scholarship from the Cardinals and started every game this year on the offensive line for them," he said.

Rabatin did so well his senior season as a Cardinal that he was invited to an NFL Training Camp with the Washington Redskins and will likely get more serious looks in August from other teams. Tronzo is also familiar with the story of Rabatin, a fan favorite in 2005.

"When I talked about maybe having to go to Georgetown and work my way up, Coach Glaser reminded me of him. Actually, Will (Rabatin) took me to practice before the Liberty Bowl. He's one of those guys who everyone thought was undersized and now he's getting NFL looks," said Tronzo.

Whatever is ahead in the future, Tronzo is confident that it will all work out for the best. He said he may also try to throw shot put for U of L Track and Field and could earn some scholarship money from Coach Ron Mann.

Until then, Tronzo will stay busy participating on Saint Xavier's power lifting and track team. He is a three-time national powerlifting champion for his age group and also a two-time state shot put champion. In the last three weeks, Tronzo re-wrote the state record books in the shot put and then joined the Kentucky All-Stars in a 41-27 win over Tennessee.