Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1512721
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 3 3 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M speaking to guys on and off the field. I would say my voice is definitely a lot big- ger, and people respect me as well. "Even without having a captain title, I definitely [feel like a leader]. I took it upon myself to create that role, just with me being an older guy, and younger guys looking up to me and just being a voice on the team that people point to and listen to." Looking Ahead With Carter and King back next year, the only other available starting spot will be the Sam outside linebacker post that Jacobs is likely vacating. All signs point to Rojas taking it and running with it. A four-star prospect from Fairfax, Va., Rojas flashed every time he stepped on the field this past fall. His 20-yard interception return at Maryland set up a Penn State score and was his most dra- matic moment, but he was a difference- maker whenever he was out there. Con- sider that he played only 102 defensive snaps but still recorded 3 sacks and 16 total tackles. Yes, some of his opportu- nities came late in games in which the outcome had already been decided. But that wasn't always the case. No matter who he was facing, Rojas looked like he belonged. He is one of a handful of players who burned their redshirt this season playing defense and special teams and is primed for a much bigger role next year. "I think it's a positive that we've got young guys who are getting a ton of reps right now," Franklin said in November. "And not only are the young guys get- ting a ton of reps, but they're making plays, which allows them to gain con- fidence and allows the coaches to gain confidence in them." DeLuca and Elsdon both have eligibil- ity remaining. Whether or not they both elect to take advantage of it remains to be seen. DeLuca has been the more productive of the two this year, finish- ing the regular season with 25 tackles, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles and a blocked kick. Elsdon has played in all 12 games so far and made 19 tackles. The Lions also will have redshirting freshmen Ta'Mere Robinson and Ka- veion Keys in the mix next year, while two older returning backups — redshirt sophomore Keon Wylie and redshirt ju- nior Tyrece Mills — will be looking to play more prominent roles. Put it all together, and Penn State ap- pears to be well-positioned to continue its success at the linebacker spot. Plenty of key players will be back. Now, the group must raise the bar, and take a step from great to elite in 2024. ■ Tony Rojas is expected to join the starting lineup as a sophomore next season after making 16 tackles, including 3 sacks, on just 102 snaps during his first 12 games at Penn State. PHOTO BY STEVE MANUEL "I think it's a positive that we've got young guys who are getting a ton of reps right now. And not only are the young guys getting a ton of reps, but they're making plays, which allows them to gain confidence and allows the coaches to gain confidence in them." J A M E S F R A N K L I N