As Penn State spring football practices got underway in Happy Valley, one of its key contributors on defense was confirmed to be not fully available for the spring. Head coach James Franklin announced to the media on Tuesday that rising star linebacker Tony Rojas will not be going all out this spring as he recovers from an offseason injury.
The specifics of the injury were not revealed, which is normal for Franklin. Rojas had been seen this winter wearing an arm sling, so his status for the spring was not expected to be fully available. Franklin’s comments at the start of spring practices confirmed that to be the case.
Rojas was Penn State’s fifth-leading tackler from the 2024 season with 58 total tackles and he is the team’s second-leading tackler set to return in 2025. Only safety Zakee Wheatley had more tackles than Rojas, of players returning in 2025. Rojas appeared in all 16 games played by Penn State last season, including the Big Ten Championship Game and three College Football Playoff games. Rojas had one of the highlights of the playoff run by the Nittany Lions with a long pick-six against SMU in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
At this point, there is no reason to be concerned about Rojas and his availability for the fall. If nothing else, there is probably little for him to achieve this spring in practices that will limit his potential in the fall. The only real downside is not getting to work under new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles fully this spring, at least on the field.
As long as Rojas is good to go in the fall, Penn State should have one of the top linebackers ready to cause havoc for opposing offenses. Rojas has previously said he will be good for the season, while the focus this spring will be not doing any additional damage to his body.
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