Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1535618
J U N E / J U L Y 2 0 2 5 19 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M sations with guys, showing them the ropes of Linebacker U." DeLuca had ample opportunity to do that this spring. Beyond the top-of- the-depth-chart concerns, Penn State's linebackers have also faced a variety of personnel challenges. One of the unit's most veteran players, Keon Wylie, is a redshirt junior work- ing his way back from a knee injury that sidelined him all of last season. And like Rojas, redshirt sophomore DaKaari Nelson, a converted safety, also missed spring practice while recovering from offseason surgery. Another player who is likely to be a major contributor in the fall wasn't even on Penn State's roster this spring. North Carolina transfer Amare Campbell signed in May and won't suit up for the Lions until preseason camp opens. Wylie has had what DeLuca called a "hungry" offseason, reasserting himself on the practice field while acclimating to his post-injury capabilities. But his focus on his own recovery and adjustment has left him with less of an opportunity to assert the type of leadership DeLuca has provided. Rojas remained a vocal presence as a practice observer and in positional meetings. Welcoming the support, DeLuca described him as an ac- countability partner who encour- aged his ongoing development. "Tony is still vocal for us. He is still vocal in the linebacker room. He's holding people accountable, holding me accountable," DeLuca said. "And that's what we need as a defense and as a linebacker group. We're the quarterbacks of the defense. We've got to take control." That leadership quality has been especially valuable given that a number of younger play- ers are projected to see significant reps this fall. Redshirt freshmen An- thony Speca and Kari Jackson are both vying for opportunities. Speca played 60 defensive snaps last year across five contests, while Jackson, limited by in- juries, didn't see game action. Two line- backers with even less experience — true