Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1518105
1 4 A P R I L 2 0 2 4 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M Sophomore Linebacker Tony Rojas Is Poised To Build On A Promising Debut GREG PICKEL: Penn State is looking to fill numerous vacancies in its 2024 depth chart. How the Nit- tany Lions go about doing so starts with the work they're putting in dur- ing spring practice. It's why this time of year is so interesting, and picking the spring's breakout star is part of the fun. I'm going to focus on the defense that first-year coordinator Tom Al- len has been assembling since his ar- rival in State College late last year. Sophomore linebacker Tony Rojas made some splash plays last season despite seeing a limited number of snaps in 13 games. He totaled 21 tack- les, including 3.5 for loss, and had an interception in Penn State's 51-15 shellacking of Maryland. No matter who was overseeing the defense, Rojas' role was always go- ing to grow during his sophomore season. But a quick ascent was all but assured when Penn State moved junior Abdul Carter from weakside linebacker to defensive end. Rojas' upper body looks more defined this spring even though he didn't add any weight. Instead, head strength coach Chuck Losey just reshaped his body a bit to chisel his 225-pound frame so that he is able to bring down receivers, running backs and quarterbacks alike while retain- ing the speed that is a big part of his game. You'll see it in action when it's time for Rojas chase down ball car- riers this fall. The former four-star recruit from Fairfax, Va., will be a well-known name by September, and that's partially because he will be a breakout spring performer who steals plenty of summer headlines as preseason camp nears. Freshman Center Cooper Cousins Could Be An Early-Impact Offensive Lineman RYAN SNYDER: There are a number of good options for this spring's breakout star. Greg's selec- tion of sophomore linebacker Tony Rojas makes a lot of sense. With junior weakside linebacker Abdul Carter moving to defensive end, Rojas will see his reps drastically in- crease during Penn State's upcoming season. There are a number of other young players who appear ready to take on much bigger roles. For instance, de- fensive end Jameial Lyons and safety King Mack both turned heads as true freshmen a year ago and will likely see their reps increase this coming fall. However, for my pick, I'm look- ing to the other side of the ball. The breakout star of spring practice is go- ing to be freshman offensive lineman Cooper Cousins. It's not often that true freshmen are able to make an impact up front, but with the Erie, Pa., native starting out at center, I think the depth chart sets up really well for him. Senior Nick Dawkins certainly has an edge when it comes to experience. That will be important when it comes to pre-snap reads, but at 6-foot-6, 319 pounds, Cousins brings a combina- tion of size and athleticism that you don't often see at the center position. Cousins finished as a five-star prospect in the 2024 class as rated by On3's scouts, but even players of his caliber rarely find themselves in position to compete for a starting job right away. Not on the offensive line, anyway. And yet, the feedback has been encouraging so far. It would not be surprising to see him occupy a prominent role for the Nittany Lions this coming fall. Point – Counterpoint Rojas saw action in all 13 games as a true freshman last fall, totaling 21 tackles including 3.5 for loss. PHOTO BY SEAN FITZ Cousins could play a variety of positions on the Nittany Lions' offensive front but is starting out at center. PHOTO BY GREG PICKEL Which Player Is Going To Be Penn State's Breakout Star Coming Out Of Spring Practice?