Spring practice continues at Penn State, and the Blue-White game is only a few weeks away. The offense continues to evolve, with returning veteran starters, under second-year coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. On the defensive side of the ball, new coordinator Jim Knowles is implementing his scheme. There are returning players throughout the defense. However, their ability to succeed this season will depend on the ability of the linebacker corps to gel and hold its own. A key storyline throughout Spring will be building linebacker depth at Penn State.
Building Linebacker Depth at Penn State
The Projected Starters
With the addition of Jim Knowles, who came over from rival Ohio State, as defensive coordinator, the linebacker corps will be important. However, similar to Penn State’s defenses of the past few seasons, the Nittany Lions will not be running a traditional 3-4 (four linebackers) or 4-3 (three linebackers) defense. The 4-2-5 alignment will feature two linebackers. It also has a hybrid defensive backfield position that is expected to be played by Zion Tracy.
Last year’s linebackers were led by redshirt junior Kobe King. King contributed both on the field and in the locker room. He was rewarded ahead of last season by being named a captain. Following a season where he produced 97 tackles, including nine for loss, and three sacks, King declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. His 97 tackles were second on the team. So, in addition to losing the prowess of Abdul Carter on the defensive line, it will be important for Knowles to replace King’s production at linebacker.
In addition to King, most of the reps at linebacker last season were handled by Tony Rojas and Dom DeLuca. Rojas, a rising junior, ranked fifth on last year’s team with 58 tackles. He also had one sack and three interceptions. The highlight of Rojas’s season was a 59-yard interception return for a touchdown in the playoff win over SMU. DeLuca, a former walk-on entering his redshirt senior season, had 40 tackles, a half-sack, and three interceptions. Similar to Rojas, the highlight for DeLuca was a 23-yard interception return for a touchdown against SMU. It was Penn State’s first-ever playoff touchdown. Both of these veterans are returning in 2025, and are projected as the starters.
Depth at Linebacker U
Penn State, and its defense, have been historically known for building legendary linebackers. In fact, Penn State has been known as Linebacker U. Interestingly, the linebackers have been along for the ride, more than leading, on the Penn State defense over the past few seasons.
Rojas entered Spring practice penciled in as a second-year starter. It would be a surprise to not see him on the field when the season starts. However, he was dealing with an injury as Spring practice began. Speaking of Rojas at his press conference at the beginning of Spring ball, head coach James Franklin said Rojas “will not be fully available in the beginning of Spring ball, and we’ll just see how that goes.”
When injuries occur, on the bright side it provides opportunities for the less-experienced players. One such player that has stood out so far this Spring is Ta’Mere Robinson. Robinson is looking to make the most of opportunities to show himself to be worthy of more playing time. Last season, Robinson saw action in 14 games. He produced 11 tackles, including two for loss, and a half-sack. Franklin has noticed Robinson’s efforts this Spring. In his presser this week, Franklin spoke about Robinson and said “I’ve always felt like he’s had a very, very bright future. He’s had some injuries that have been setbacks for him, so getting him back healthy and confident playing fast, he’s really flashing right now.”
Main Photo: Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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