Tony Rojas: A Future Star in Linebacker U’s Storied Tradition
Written By: Ryan Scaife, Disrupt U PSU
Penn State football fans know better than anyone the expectations that come with playing linebacker at Linebacker U. From LaVar Arrington to Paul Posluszny to Micah Parsons, the linebackers who have donned the blue and white are legends of the game, and sophomore Tony Rojas is quickly showing signs that he could be the next name to join that elite group.
His defining moment, so far, came in Penn State’s 34-27 win over Bowling Green on Saturday at Beaver Stadium. With under seven minutes left and the Falcons driving for a potential game-winning score, Rojas made one of those game-changing plays that elite linebackers at Penn State are known for—a leaping interception on a Connor Bazelak pass that shifted momentum and sealed the win. It was the type of play that earns you a place in the long tradition of Linebacker U, and it had his teammates and coaches buzzing.
Abdul Carter, another star linebacker for Penn State, said of Rojas: “He’s gonna become something very special for this defense. I’ve seen it since this guy got here and throughout camp and last week against West Virginia. He’s playing fast, playing physical. He wants to learn, he wants to get better. And that’s why you make those flash plays.”
Photo by Steven Walter
The Road to Penn State: Rojas’ Recruitment Journey
Rojas’s journey to Penn State was a highly competitive one. Coming out of Fairfax High School in Virginia, he was a four-star prospect and one of the top linebackers in the country. Rojas had offers from powerhouse programs, including Georgia, Clemson, and Miami. These schools saw his versatility—he played both linebacker and running back in high school—where his elite speed made him a target for some of the biggest programs in college football.
Despite the attention from other schools, Rojas was drawn to Penn State for more than just the program’s success. “The way they talked to me, they treated me like family from the start,” Rojas said when asked about his decision. “And Penn State’s linebacker legacy—you can’t ignore that. I wanted to be part of something special.”
The relationship he built with head coach James Franklin played a huge role in his decision. Penn State made it clear that Rojas was a priority, and they envisioned him as a key piece of the future for their defense. The allure of playing for a program that had produced some of the NFL’s best linebackers also weighed heavily on Rojas’s decision. He wanted to be a part of that legacy, knowing full well the expectations that came with it.
Penn State linebacker Tony Rojas (13) )tackles Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (0) )during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in State College, Pa.
Barry Reeger - freelancer, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Early Success and Growing into a Star
In his freshman season, Rojas saw limited action but began showing flashes of his potential. Over the offseason, he focused on adding muscle and increasing his football IQ. Now in his sophomore season, the results are starting to show. Rojas has bulked up to a solid 240 pounds and is playing faster than ever. His speed, a hallmark of his game, has made him a disruptive force, whether in pass coverage or rushing the quarterback.
In Penn State’s season opener against West Virginia, Rojas was everywhere on the field, recording five tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. His sideline-to-sideline range and ability to read plays quickly were evident, and it was a sign that his hard work was paying off.
Against Bowling Green, it was his football instincts that stood out. With Penn State clinging to a narrow lead, Rojas dropped into coverage and undercut a Bazelak pass, making a leaping interception on Penn State’s 38-yard line. That play effectively ended Bowling Green’s drive and secured the win for the Nittany Lions. After the game, Rojas reflected on the play: “I wanna be a game-changer no matter what the situation is. And I feel like that [interception] kinda switched our momentum.”
Embracing the Legacy of Linebacker U
Playing linebacker at Penn State comes with big expectations. The program’s history is littered with defensive stars who have gone on to dominate in the NFL. Rojas is well aware of that history, but rather than shy away from it, he’s embracing it.
“I’ve been confident since the first game, but I know I need to keep improving,” Rojas said. “My speed has always been one of my major attributes, but I’m focused on learning the little things—tackling, positioning, technique. That’s what’s going to take me to the next level.”
Penn State head coach James Franklin has been high on Rojas since the recruiting process, and his excitement about the young linebacker has only grown. “We’ve been talking positively about him really since we recruited him, since he showed on campus,” Franklin said after the Bowling Green game. “The way his body has changed, his production. He’s big, fast, smart, physical. He can do a lot of different things. It’s not just tackles in the box. He’s a sideline guy as well as a guy that can obviously make plays in coverage. I think that’s maybe some things that people saw on tape. He’s had some opportunities to cover backs, one on one, on wheel routes and things like that. He’s done a nice job. And then today, to be able to undercut that route and get an interception was big.”
The Next Great in a Line of Legends
As Rojas continues to develop, Penn State fans are beginning to see the potential of what he could become. His speed and versatility are reminiscent of LaVar Arrington, his physicality and football IQ echo Paul Posluszny, and his playmaking ability draws comparisons to Micah Parsons. But Rojas is carving out his own path in this legendary program, and his desire to improve is what sets him apart.
With two standout performances to start the season and a growing role in the defense, Rojas has Penn State fans excited about what’s to come. He’s just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential, and if his early success is any indication, he could be the next name in a long line of linebackers that have left their mark on Happy Valley.
For Penn State, having a player like Rojas emerge at linebacker is a reminder that the tradition of Linebacker U is alive and well.
