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Penn State Football: Four 2023 signees who could have an instant impact next season

By Alec Whitaker

STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 01: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions leads the team onto the field before the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium on October 1, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 01: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions leads the team onto the field before the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium on October 1, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 01: Abdul Carter #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 01: Abdul Carter #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

3. LB Tony Rojas

The highest rated defensive player in Penn State’s 2023 class is linebacker Tony Rojas.

The 4-star from Virginia is enrolling early, which gives him a chance to add weight to his 6-foot-1.5, 200-pound frame. Athletically, Rojas may be ready to go, but the extra time with the strength and conditioning staff will help him.

It’s unlikely that Rojas is a starter at the beginning of the season for Penn State football. Abdul Carter will be back at the WILL, Curtis Jacobs could return in 2023, and if he does the SAM spot is his. The two contributors at the MIKE, Tyler Elsdon and Kobe King, should also both be back next season.

The second team is wide open though. Redshirt sophomore Jamari Buddin, redshirt freshman Keon Wylie and walk on Dom DeLuca are the current favorites to make up the second team in 2023. Rojas has the athleticism to push these guys though.

The belief is that Rojas is best suited for the MIKE position, could he possibly push Elsdon and King? That seems unlikely, but the extra time on campus for Rojas could be beneficial enough to get him on the second team to start the year.

Penn State Football is known for its linebackers, Rojas could be the next great one.

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