{"id":74951,"date":"2025-07-05T09:00:48","date_gmt":"2025-07-05T13:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/?p=74951"},"modified":"2025-09-20T14:32:46","modified_gmt":"2025-09-20T18:32:46","slug":"penn-state-football-linebacker-preview-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/2025\/07\/05\/penn-state-football-linebacker-preview-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Penn State Football Linebacker Preview 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

Penn State enters the 2025 season with its linebacker room under transformation. Long known for producing top-end talent at the position, the Nittany Lions face a mix of uncertainty and promise after losing key veterans and transitioning to a new defensive scheme under coordinator Jim Knowles<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A combination of returning starters, transfers, redshirt freshmen, and blue-chip newcomers makes up a group that will be heavily tested early. With Knowles\u2019 4-2-5 base system replacing the 4-3 elements used in 2024, only two linebackers will see regular snaps on most downs, demanding more versatility and athleticism across the board.<\/p>\n

Penn State Linebackers Face New Scheme and Fresh Pressure<\/h2>\n

Rojas and DeLuca Form the Core<\/h3>\n

Junior Tony Rojas<\/a> returns as the most dynamic athlete in the room. He enters 2025 with high expectations after showing flashes of playmaking potential a year ago, including a highlight-reel pick-six in the postseason. At his best, Rojas covers ground rapidly, tracks the ball naturally, and finishes plays with explosiveness. He projects to handle the weak-side linebacker role in most alignments, where his range and coverage ability can shine.<\/p>\n

The key area of growth for Rojas this offseason centers on block engagement and consistency in run fits. If he makes strides there, he has the physical tools to become one of the Big Ten\u2019s breakout defenders. Knowles\u2019 system plays to his strengths, emphasizing space, disguise, and lateral movement.<\/p>\n

Alongside him, sixth-year senior Dom DeLuca<\/a> offers leadership, toughness, and experience. A former walk-on who has become a respected voice on the defense, DeLuca is expected to wear the green dot helmet and manage defensive calls from the field. While not the flashiest athlete in the unit, he\u2019s steady, sound in his assignments, and capable of playing multiple roles. DeLuca’s reliability gives the coaching staff peace of mind in high-leverage situations.<\/p>\n

DeLuca shifts between interior and overhang alignments, giving Penn State schematic flexibility. In short-yardage or heavy sets, he can slide into a traditional Mike role. He also contributes during passing downs with smart angles and solid awareness.<\/p>\n

Campbell Brings Proven Depth<\/h3>\n

The linebacker rotation received a boost when Penn State added North Carolina transfer Amare Campbell<\/a> during the offseason. He brings multi-year starting experience from the ACC and should push for immediate playing time. Known for his burst, active hands, and ability to slip blocks, Campbell can pressure the quarterback or attack downhill in run support.<\/p>\n

His skill set fits well into Knowles\u2019 sub-packages. Campbell could rotate in as a situational Mike linebacker, or even serve as a strong-side presence when the Lions shift into heavier fronts. His track record of production and physical playing style gives Penn State a more experienced third option behind DeLuca and Rojas.<\/p>\n

Even if he doesn\u2019t win a starting job, Campbell figures to play meaningful reps in 2025. He should bring consistency to a unit that otherwise skews young.<\/p>\n

Underclassmen Pushing Forward<\/h3>\n

Redshirt freshman Anthony Speca<\/a> is trending upward after a strong offseason. With prototypical size and early-enrollee experience, Speca has emerged as one of the more instinctual linebackers in the room. He plays downhill with confidence and has earned high marks for his football intelligence. At six-foot-two and over 230 pounds, he fits the mold of a classic Mike backer and has a clear path to future playing time.<\/p>\n

While he may start the season in a reserve role, Speca is expected to contribute on special teams and could rotate in on early downs. He also profiles as a long-term leader at the position.<\/p>\n

Fellow redshirt freshman Kari Jackson<\/a> adds more physicality to the depth chart. His game is built around contact, and his frame continues to develop as he returns to full health. Jackson\u2019s ideal fit is as a run-stopper in short-yardage and goal-line situations. He may not yet be ready for a major role on defense, but his effort and motor make him a candidate for special teams and limited defensive snaps as needed.<\/p>\n

Keon Wylie<\/a>, another redshirt sophomore, brings an athletic profile to the position. His coverage traits and quickness off the edge make him a potential fit in third-down packages. If Penn State leans into hybrid looks, Wylie could see the field in a rover-type role, especially when Knowles wants to disguise coverage or blitz from unusual angles.<\/p>\n

Nelson and the Hybrid Option<\/h3>\n

One of the more interesting players in the mix is DaKaari Nelson<\/a>. Originally recruited as a safety, Nelson transitioned to linebacker last fall and has started to grow into the position physically. Now over 220 pounds, he maintains the movement skills of a defensive back while learning the responsibilities of a box defender.<\/p>\n

Nelson\u2019s background gives him a unique edge in pass coverage, which is valuable in a scheme that requires linebackers to match routes and cover flats. He remains a work-in-progress against the run, but his skill set could allow him to fill a hybrid linebacker-safety role in nickel or dime packages.<\/p>\n

Freshmen to Watch: Arrington and Developmental Pieces<\/h3>\n

True freshman LaVar Arrington II<\/a> carries a legacy name, but he\u2019s beginning to turn heads based on his ability. A long, fluid athlete with strong instincts, Arrington flashed promise during spring practice. Though still raw in areas like block shedding and gap discipline, his closing speed and coverage feel are ahead of schedule.<\/p>\n

The staff may bring him along gradually, but there\u2019s already talk of finding creative ways to get him on the field. Whether on special teams, in sub-packages, or as a rotational player late in games, Arrington has the tools to make an early impact if the opportunity arises.<\/p>\n

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Photo courtesy: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Adjusting to a New 4-2-5<\/h2>\n

How Tom Allen Structured the 4-2-5<\/h3>\n

While both Tom Allen<\/a> and Jim Knowles use a 4-2-5 base, the similarities end with alignment. The shift in defensive philosophy brings a dramatic change in how linebackers are used.<\/p>\n

Allen\u2019s system emphasized quarter coverage rooted in pattern-match principles, built on structure and clarity. His linebackers played from depth, with predictable run fits and heavy reliance on leverage and communication. The hybrid \u201cHusky\u201d spot operated as a true nickel \u2013 often a thicker safety \u2013 asked to play the run and match slot routes. Allen\u2019s pressure came mostly from tendency calls, with linebackers rarely asked to disguise or create chaos on early downs.<\/p>\n

How Jim Knowles Transforms the Same Look<\/h3>\n

Knowles flips that script. His version of the 4-2-5 is aggressive and highly variable. He uses simulated pressure, post-snap safety rotation, and disguised coverage to bait quarterbacks. His \u201cJack\u201d and \u201cLeo\u201d spots give him flexibility to deploy hybrid edge players in space or inside gaps. Linebackers attack downhill and replace slanting linemen. They must also cover more ground before and after the snap.<\/p>\n

The nickel defender under Knowles isn\u2019t a tweener \u2013 it\u2019s often a true coverage safety, selected based on the opponent\u2019s scheme. His pressure packages use illusion: showing six and bringing four, or showing four and bringing five from unexpected angles. The goal is to create confusion, not simply win with execution.<\/p>\n

This demands a different type of linebacker \u2014 one with vision, burst, and adaptability. Rojas, DeLuca, and Campbell must read fast, fit hard, and communicate pre-snap changes with precision. Depth behind them must prepare to rotate in without the benefit of a scripted, rule-based system.<\/p>\n

The linebackers now operate as tone-setters, not just cleanup players. They must react quickly but also disguise their intentions until the snap. In Knowles\u2019 world, it\u2019s not just about knowing your gap \u2014 it\u2019s about manipulating the offense into thinking you\u2019re in a different one.<\/p>\n

Path Forward for Linebacker U<\/h2>\n

Penn State\u2019s linebacker group in 2025 is a work in progress, but one with long-term potential. There\u2019s talent at the top in Rojas and DeLuca, with added experience in Campbell and developmental upside in Speca, Wylie, Jackson, and others. The depth remains young and unproven, and the margin for error narrows with fewer spots available in the 4-2-5.<\/p>\n

Still, with Dan Connor <\/a>coaching and Knowles tailoring his system to fit the athletes on hand, the group should improve steadily over the course of the season. The front-line players must stay healthy, but if the younger talent matures on schedule, this unit could quietly become a strength by November.<\/p>\n

Main Image: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Penn State enters the 2025 season with its linebacker room under transformation. Long known for producing top-end talent at the position, the Nittany Lions face a mix of uncertainty and promise after losing key veterans and transitioning to a new defensive scheme under coordinator Jim Knowles. A combination of returning starters, transfers, redshirt freshmen, and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5544,"featured_media":74978,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"1","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5,2,35610],"tags":[35271,3406,34871,4223,309,1073],"class_list":["post-74951","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bigten","category-featured","category-penn-state-nittany-lions","tag-dan-conner","tag-jim-knowles","tag-lavar-arrington-ii","tag-linebacker-u","tag-penn-state-nittany-lions","tag-tom-allen"],"modified_by":"Michael Kovacs, ADMIN","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74951","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5544"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=74951"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74951\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":75046,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74951\/revisions\/75046"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/74978"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=74951"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=74951"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=74951"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}