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Tony Rojas injury update: James Franklin addresses Penn State's plan to replace LB

On3 imageby: Dan Morrison5 hours agodan_morrison96
Tony Rojas, Penn State
Sep 13, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Tony Rojas (13) reacts following a sack on Villanova Wildcats quarterback Tanner Maddocks (3) during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

The Penn State Nittany Lions suffered a massive blow on the defensive side of the ball, losing their leader and star linebacker Tony Rojas to what has been described as a “long-term injury.” With that, head coach James Franklin needs to find a way to replace one of his most important players.

Franklin addressed the injury during the midweek press conference. There, he shared that the Nittany Lions are going to be turning to a committee of linebackers to replace Rojas. That’s a group that will start with Dominic Deluca.

“Obviously, Dom will step into that role,” James Franklin said. “The, obviously, we’re having the discussions about greenlighting possibly both [Alex] Tatsch and Cam [Smith].”

Now a redshirt senior, Deluca has been with Penn State since 2021 and was at one point seen as a developmental player. He was also the highlight of the defense in last year’s College Football Playoff game against SMU, snagging two interceptions.

Beyond Dom Deluca, Franklin also highlighted Alex Tatsch and Cam Smith. Tatsch was a four-star recruit in the Class of 2025. He was the 306th-ranked player overall and the 31st-ranked linebacker in that recruiting cycle. He’s appeared in one game so far. Then, Smith was a four-star recruit in the Class of 2025. For his part, he was the 356th-ranked player overall and the 37th-ranked linebacker in that recruiting cycle.

“What’s helpful is, we’ve had these Sunday scrimmages. So we’ve had a chance to evaluate those guys each week. Early on, Tatsch was getting a little bit more time with the varsity. We’re giving Cam an opportunity too now, as well, bouncing those guys back and forth between the d-squad and varsity. They’re going to have an opportunity. This is how it is in college football. One of those guys will hopefully get some work this week, we’ll get a chance to evaluate them during practice,” Franklin said. “And then hopefully some of those guys will get an opportunity during the game on Saturday.”

In four games this season, Rojas had 25 total tackles, including 4.5 tackles for a loss and 2.0 sacks. He also had a pass breakup. That’s a year removed from making 58 total tackles, 6.0 tackles for a loss, and three interceptions.

Injuries are a reality that all college teams need to deal with. Penn State and James Franklin are no different. Still, the Nittany Lions are now going to be forced to rely on a youth movement at the linebacker position moving forward because of this one.