When Penn State moved Abdul Carter to defensive end this offseason, it also created another empty spot at linebacker.
Kobe King will be back as the middle linebacker for the Nittany Lions, but there are multiple players vying to fill the positions left by Carter and Curtis Jacobs, who has moved to the NFL.
On Wednesday, outside linebacker Dom DeLuca expressed confidence in the team's linebackers, emphasizing their depth and the competitive spirit among the players.
There is a lot of excitement due to the high number of players competing.
At least five players, including Tony Rojas, Ta’Mere Robinson, Keon Wylie, Kaveion Keys, and DeLuca, are contending for the starting outside linebacker roles, with DeLuca being the most experienced among them.
DeLuca, a fourth-year junior, played behind Jacobs on the strong side last season and had 29 tackles, 4.5 for losses, two interceptions (one resulting in a touchdown), three pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and a blocked punt.
Rojas, a sophomore who enrolled in January 2023, played in every game last season and recorded 22 tackles (3.5 for losses), one interception, and one forced fumble.
DeLuca praised Rojas for quickly grasping the game, being eager to learn, actively engaging in film study, consulting with coaches, and asking numerous questions.
DeLuca expressed excitement for the potential of the talented athlete and his upcoming season.
DeLuca acknowledged the productivity of redshirt freshman Robinson during spring practice.
He commended Robinson for his positive attitude, eagerness to learn, speed, and strong grasp of the team's defense, expressing his noticeable enthusiasm for the game.
Allen’s spring debut: New defensive coordinator Tom Allen, the former Indiana head coach, previously a high school teacher, is demonstrating his teaching background in his first spring at Penn State.
DeLuca emphasized how Coach Allen focuses on simplifying everything and aims to ensure that the players understand the reasons behind their actions within the defense.
Allen is accustomed to using a whistle from his time with the Hoosiers, but he has had to set it aside out of respect for Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin.
While Allen's aggressive scheme resembles that of former coordinator Manny Diaz, who is now the head coach at Duke, DeLuca noted that the two coaches employ different approaches, with Allen being more personal and maintaining a positive attitude.
DeLuca praised Coach Allen for his personalized approach, positive demeanor, and genuine concern for the players.
Rucci update: Nolan Rucci, the former Warwick star who transferred from Wisconsin to Penn State in January, spoke to the media for the first time after practice on Tuesday night.
The 6-8, 315-pound offensive lineman will compete with others for the available positions at left tackle and right tackle.
Rucci expressed appreciation for the staff and teammates at Wisconsin but felt it was a great opportunity to seek a new and better chance to play when he made the decision to transfer to Penn State.
"I really enjoy the coaching staff at this place. Coach Traut (Phil Trautwein, the offensive line coach) is very skilled. He's very involved with his players, which I truly value. I saw it as a good chance for me to gain knowledge."
Franklin stated that Rucci, who has two years of eligibility left, has already left a strong impression at Penn State.
"He's been excellent," Franklin stated. "Our players adore him. He has integrated well with the (offensive line) group. He's genuinely enthusiastic about the progress he's made in a short time."
"We will have a highly competitive battle at left tackle and right tackle during training camp. We anticipate that he will play a significant role in that."
