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Position: linebackers
Following is the second in a series previewing Penn State's spring practice:
Returning starter(s): Kobe King is the lone starter returning as the second leading tackler from last year.
Key players lost: Abdul Carter wasn't actually lost. He's just now an EDGE rusher. Curtis Jacobs is gone, though, and is projected to be a day 3 pick in the NFL Draft.
Statistically speaking: King recorded 59 total tackles, six for a loss, one and a half sacks, and a fumble recovery. Jacobs had 49 tackles, two and a half sacks, and two fumble recoveries last year. Dominic Deluca also played a lot and registered 29 tackles, a sack, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles.
Emerging newcomers: Tony Rojas appeared in eight games last year, but still played sparingly. The heralded Rojas, now a sophomore, will likely start with King and Deluca. Also look for redshirt freshmen Ta'Mere Robinson and Kaveion Keys to make noise in the spring game.
Analysis: It's a unit that lost a bit, but it also has some key guys returning in King, Deluca, and Tyler Elsdon. Penn State is called Linebacker U for a reason. It's usually a group that reloads rather than rebuilds.
Thursday: Specialists
-- Andy Stine