James Franklin cut to the chase after Penn State’s final spring practice on Saturday. He’s looking for help at linebacker. The unit is thin on depth after the departure of Ta’Mere Robinson, who transferred to USC last week, and stability is needed ahead of a season with national championship expectations.
There’s no room for holes in the roster.
“I think we’re in good shape, but there’s some concerns there. We lost a guy that we didn’t anticipate losing. As you guys know, we’re not a big portal team, but we’re going to have to address some issues,” Franklin said after the Blue-White Game. “So, if there is a linebacker out there that wants to come and be a part of our program and play for LBU, the most historic linebacker program in the history of college football, there’s an opportunity here to join the room and compete.”
Tony Rojas and Dominic DeLuca took initiative as the position’s two driving forces, especially after the departure of starting middle linebacker Kobe King. But with Rojas injured and significantly limited for spring ball’s entirety, DeLuca has taken sole control of a unit with some injury-prone and some inexperienced pieces.
Anthony Speca, entering just his second season with the Nittany Lions, has been asked to fill parts of King’s shoes. So have Keon Wylie and Kari Jackson, who each missed last season’s entirety with injuries. It’s a lot to ask from a group with high upside, sure, but also underlying question marks. Still, DeLuca has liked what he’s seen.
“They’re all stepping up. I mean, they’re all trying to make their name for themselves. Keon is hungry. I know Speca’s hungry. I know Kari’s hungry,” DeLuca said. “They’re bringing the standard up in the linebacker room, and they’re holding me accountable, and we’re always talking and seeing how we can make each other better.”
DaKaari Nelson made the switch from safety to linebacker last offseason with the intention of solidifying the position’s depth. An injury, however, has stalled his spring availability, thinning the unit even further. With Nelson unavailable, freshmen have also been put under the spotlight, and none have demanded as much publicity as LaVar Arrington II.
“LaVar is an athletic freak. I mean, Tony’s gonna come back and reclaim his title. But right now, LaVar’s the most athletic dude in the room,” Speca said. “He’s freakishly strong, he’s super fast and he really flashes on tape.”
Franklin knows what he has. His linebackers have talent and potential, but adding more pieces remains a necessity to boost depth and raise the level of competition. There are linebackers available, but finding one or two that fit the team’s culture is an aspect of recruiting that Franklin views with high importance. Soon enough, he’ll find someone.
“I think we got enough in the room, but to get through an entire season, if we get some injuries, it could get challenging. So, we’re going to look at the portal, see if we can find a solution,” Franklin said. “As you guys know, more times than not, we’d like it to be somebody that is connected to us and that we know, because we got a really good locker room and I want to make sure that we’re bringing the right people in our locker room. We’re very protective of that.”
