Key Penn State defender looking ‘fantastic’ in return from injury

Penn State football is right around the corner. As the program concludes the final days of summer workouts and gears up for the start of fall camp in a matter of weeks, the Nittany Lions defense is preparing for the return of standout junior linebacker Tony Rojas to the practice field.

“Rojas has been fantastic this summer. He’s been fantastic,” Penn State strength coach Chuck Losey said on Monday. “He’s ready to go. I’m excited about the season he’s gonna have.”

“Rojas has been fantastic. He’s ready to go. I’m excited about the season.”

– Strength coach Chuck Losey pic.twitter.com/sXP0H8V8JK

— Joel Haas (@Joel_Haas1) July 14, 2025

Rojas, of course, missed all of spring practice after undergoing surgery this winter. Losey’s comments indicate that the third-year linebacker is well on track to be full-go for the start of training camp, an expectation James Franklin outlined last month.

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Among returning Nittany Lion defenders, Rojas was second on the team with 58 tackles while leading the unit with six tackles for loss in 2024. He was also a key influence behind transfer linebacker Amare Campbell’s decision to come to Happy Valley.

Beyond his evident on-field value, Rojas will provide a critical veteran presence for a Penn State defense looking to cement itself among college football’s best under new coordinator Jim Knowles. With many of the program’s biggest defensive stars now in the NFL, 2025 is an opportunity for Rojas to shape his own legacy at Linebacker U.

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