The pandemic has not stopped Devin Limerick from chasing his dreams.
The John Carroll University senior has made the most of his collegiate career. As a standout on the JCU Football team, Limerick has enjoyed plenty of great memories on the gridiron.
But Limerick’s accomplishments are just as impressive off of the field. As an aspiring physical therapist, Limerick helped to create a physical therapy club at JCU while excelling in the classroom. Thanks to his work, he’s already been accepted to Columbia University for his doctorate in physical therapy.
An Akron native, Limerick almost never visited John Carroll. His first visit was scheduled after one of his basketball games, so he was feeling tired and not up to it. But Devin’s parents insisted he visit, and Devin immediately fell in love.
“It felt like a brotherhood right away,” says Limerick.
Since high school, Limerick has dreamed of becoming a physical therapist, following in his older brother’s footsteps. His decision was solidified by an injury he suffered his freshman year in 2017.
“I hurt my ankle vs. Wilmington, I had a high ankle sprain with strained ligaments,” explains Limerick. “Sitting out sucks. It’s hard to watch your teammates play from the sideline.”
Limerick returned in full-force in 2018 as a dynamite running back. The Green High School alum rushed for 408 yards and 4 touchdowns. In 2019, Limerick tallied 248 rushing yards and five total touchdowns.
Then prior to the pandemic spring season, Limerick transitioned to wideout. A selfless player, Limerick never complained. He played impressively in the spring, notching 12 receptions for 142 yards and two touchdowns, earning All-OAC Honorable Mention. This fall, he’s also been dynamite, highlighted by his kickoff return touchdown against Marietta, which earned him OAC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
Off the field, Limerick garnered Academic All-OAC accolades in the spring. Amidst the pandemic, Limerick co-founded the Physical Therapy Club at John Carroll in September 2020.
“I wanted to give back and pass along useful information,” says Limerick. “During meetings, we talk about the job, discuss interview questions, and bring in guests.”
Limerick has learned much from his time at John Carroll, including plenty of life lessons from his time on the gridiron.
“I’ve learned the importance of time management and dedication,” says Limerick. “Football has been a lot of hard work, it requires a lot of your time. It’s important to stick to a schedule and keep pushing even when it's raining, snowing, or freezing cold. Your teammates depend on you.”
Limerick certainly hasn’t let his teammates down, and he won’t let his patients down as a physical therapist one day.
“I want to be a great physical therapist. I understand what it’s like to be hurt and not being able to play,” says Limerick. “I want to help athletes get back to what they love, and also help them develop as people. The mind and body are connected together, so you need to develop the person as a whole to grow, not just their injured area.”