Tony Rojas and Penn State Linebackers Elevating Connection Off the Field

When Tony Rojas arrived at Penn State, he brought the credentials of a high school phenom.

A former Gatorade Virginia Player of the Year at Fairfax High School, Rojas dominated both sides of the ball as a senior — rushing for 2,239 yards and 35 touchdowns while recording 72 tackles and 13 sacks on defense. That explosive athleticism translated quickly to Happy Valley, where he emerged as an instant-impact playmaker on defense.

The linebacker was poised for a major breakout in 2025, playing at an elite level through the first month of the season. However, a practice injury just four games into the campaign abruptly derailed his momentum, forcing him to the sidelines for an extended stretch.

Now fully healthy and stepping into a primary leadership role, Rojas’ impact is expected to extend far beyond his raw box-score production. His return has already caught the attention of new teammates like Iowa State transfer Caleb Bacon.

“He’s a guy who’s super energetic, loves football, flying around,” Bacon said. “He’s made some good plays for us so far in fall camp. Really looking forward to seeing as we keep progressing. Obviously, he was pretty limited in spring ball, but now in fall camp when he’s full go, it’s just super fun to watch.”

For Rojas, anchoring the defense requires building deep chemistry across a room filled with new faces and fresh coaching staff members. That process started long before fall camp kicked off.

“We hang out off the field a lot. This is the first year I kind of had a crazy connection to everyone on the team,” Rojas said. “It starts with the Iowa State guys who brought a great culture over here, and just making sure that we bond together and have good connections.”

That push for connection became the mission of their spring and summer preparation, creating a foundation of trust that translates to the field on Saturdays, even if Rojas wasn’t able to be on the practice field.

“I think it starts off the field, and I think we’ve done a great job this summer and spring ball,” Rojas said. “Just utilizing all the facilities and just the time we’re able to have off the field. I think we’ve grown a lot with connections as a whole team, just both sides in general, and I think that leads to having that connection on the field.”

The road back wasn’t without hurdles. After missing time due to the injury, Rojas had to work closely with new defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn to master yet another new playbook and scheme.

“It’s been great. Obviously, I was out a couple months, just being able to get back and be able to meet with him and just talk to him about scheme and whatnot has been great, and him just meeting us with open arms to talk to him and share an opinion,” Rojas said. So it’s been great. I think it’s going to continue to grow.”

When asked to summarize the energy Lynn brings to the room, Rojas put it simply: “I’d just say swagger.”

Having navigated the frustration of being sidelined during what was shaping up to be a standout season, Rojas enters the upcoming year with a fresh perspective on his role and the opportunity ahead.

“Having more gratitude and just walking out and being thankful and just opening my eyes for a couple minutes … it is a blessing to even practice and play here.”