The departure of Ta’Mere Robinson is set to cut the depth of an already thin Penn State linebacker corps. His exit should also give James Franklin a better idea of his options to fill the void left by last year’s starting middle linebacker Kobe King. Anthony Speca and Keon Wylie have suddenly emerged as two significant pieces to the team’s national title aspirations.
Robinson was poised to become a significant contributor next season, and was in the mix alongside Speca and Wylie to cement himself atop the chart at middle linebacker. His entrance into the transfer portal, which opened again for business on Wednesday, now provides a clearer view of how things stand with just under two weeks remaining in spring practice.
Speca and Wylie, who were each praised by defensive coordinator Jim Knowles after practice on Tuesday, are now in the spotlight. That doesn’t necessarily mean either will earn a starting spot alongside returnees Tony Rojas and Dominic DeLuca, but it’s now almost a given that the pair will play a prominent role within Knowles’ system.
“I think Speca has really done well. Speca has really moved into an advanced role early, and he has shown to be a very instinctual and smart player,” Knowles said. “Keon Wylie has flashed to me lately. He kinda flashes, that’s what I call it, flashing, when it comes across my screen, making plays. So, he’s done that lately, too.”
Robinson’s reps had increased this spring with Rojas limited due to injury, and was “trending in the direction” Franklin said he’d hoped for when the Nittany Lions recruited the former four-star recruit out of high school in 2023. But Rojas’ absence has also opened the door for Speca and Wylie to showcase more of their abilities.
And, so far, the reviews on each — specifically Speca — have been promising.
Speca tallied eight tackles across six game appearances as a true freshman last season. He was nearly given the green light to burn his redshirt after DeLuca’s injury in September, but was ultimately held to just four regular season game appearances, thus preserving a potential fifth year of eligibility.
“Just a very smart player, a very headsy player. Got really good instincts, plays clean, and has got some athleticism to back it up, as well,” Franklin said of Speca on April 8. “It’s still his first spring, so still a lot that he’s learning, but I know Coach (Dan) Connor has been very, very pleased with him.”
It won’t be until fall camp that Franklin will be able to polish off his depth chart and see Speca in full form, entwined with Knowles’ new system. The same goes for Wylie, who missed all of last year with an injury after a 2023 season that saw him contribute five tackles for loss and three sacks across 13 games.
Robinson’s departure could hurt, sure, especially with Rojas out. But there’s been more than enough excitement surrounding Speca and Wylie, as well as DaKaari Nelson, who made the move from linebacker to safety last season. LaVar Arrington II and Kari Jackson are others who could move up the depth chart following Robinson’s exit.
Penn State’s potential move to a 4-2-5 base, using five defensive backs and only two linebackers, could also lessen the burden of thin depth. Speca and Wylie may not necessarily be competing for a starting spot, but they are battling for something similar in the form of significant playing time.
“It’s going to be a heck of a competition,” Franklin said at the start of spring practice in March. “We got some guys like DeLuca and Rojas that have … a lot of experience. And then there’s some guys like Wylie, who’s coming off an injury that we’re going to need to get evaluated. … Speca is a young player that we’re expecting to take the next step, as well.”
