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Following is a preseason series on Penn State's position groups and a key player to watch from each.
POSITION: Linebacker
Player to watch: Tony Rojas (No. 13)
Class: Redshirt junior
Height/weight: 6-foot-2, 236 pounds
Career to this point: Started in four games during the 2025 season as a true sophomore before a season-ending knee injury occurred against Oregon.
Quotable: "He's extremely athletic. He moves very, very well. Good change of direction, burst. When we're doing drills out there, he looks about as good as you can look so it's been good to see him get back to playing shape and playing form. Now, just looking forward to seeing him put the pads on." -- Defensive Coordinator D'Anton Lynn
FYI: Rojas has started 20 games at linebacker for Penn State in his career.
Others in the mix: Alex Tatsch (No. 25) is expected to see the field extensively when he returns from injury. Caleb Bacon (No. 10), Cam Smith (No. 26) and Cael Brezina (No. 9) are expected to see starter's reps alongside Rojas. Freshman Josh Banks, a walk-on from Hollidaysburg, is listed at linebacker. He will wear No. 45.