Rising Penn State Football LB Named 'Player to Watch'

While Penn State Football is often referred to as “Linebacker U” because of its proud tradition and history at the position, Abdul Carter, one of the Nittany Lions best defensive players, is changing position from linebacker to defensive end for the 2024 season.

In Carter’s place, Penn State will look to a couple of key young players to continue the proud tradition of Linebacker U. One of the top candidates to replace Carter, sophomore Tony Rojas, was named a “Breakout Player to Watch” in 2024 by 247Sports’ Brad Crawford.

As a recruit, Rojas ranked as the 86th overall player in the 2023 class and the number 7 linebacker, according to the 247Sports composite rankings.

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Why Tony Rojas Has breakout Potential for Penn State Football

With limited playing time behind Carter, and Curtis Jacobs who is now off to the NFL draft, Rojas recorded 22 tackles and an interception, flashing the talent that earned him his four-star status.

In naming Rojas a player to watch, Crawford noted with both Carter and Jacobs out of the way Penn State Football will need Rojas to be at his best to fill in the starting role at linebacker.

Crawford further notes that Rojas was able to aid his development by “cutting his teeth” last season behind veterans Carter and Jacobs. Rojas will compete this spring with redshirt freshman Ta’mere Robinson, redshirt sophomore Keon Wiley, and redshirt freshman Kaveion Keys for the starting linebacker position vacated by Carter’s move to defensive end.

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