Penn State will be without star linebacker Tony Rojas for an extended period of time. First reported by On3, Rojas was absent from the media practice window on Wednesday. Head coach James Franklin confirmed the report that Rojas is out with a long-term injury during his media availability after practice.
The junior linebacker has flashed in the run game, while his speed has allowed him to hold up in man coverage against running backs and tight ends. Rojas’ 25 tackles are second on the team to Amare Campbell’s 37.
The linebacker added two sacks and five tackles for loss in his first fully healthy season as a starter, but now is dealing with an injury for the second-straight season. Rojas dealt with a shoulder injury last season that hindered his play, but was still a consistent player at the second level of the defense.
Behind Rojas is linebacker Dom DeLuca, who has a lot of experience on the defense. However, after DeLuca, the experience is thin.
Keon Wylie, Anthony Speca, and DaKaari Nelson all could see an influx of playing time following Rojas’ injury. True freshman Alex Tatsch could also get a sudden green light to burn his redshirt with the loss of Rojas. Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles will have to make quick adjustments with the Nittany Lions traveling to California for a game against UCLA.
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