Home / Sports / Penn State Linebackers Shine in Fall Camp Under New Defensive Coordinator
Penn State Linebackers Shine in Fall Camp Under New Defensive Coordinator
3 Aug
Summary
- Two linebackers who missed spring practice have impressed new defensive coordinator
- Tony Rojas and Amare Campbell show strong skills and knowledge of the defense
- Penn State's return game aims to improve after struggling last season
As Penn State's fall camp kicks off, new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has been pleasantly surprised by the performance of two linebackers who missed spring practice. Tony Rojas, who started every game last season, underwent upper-body surgery and sat out the spring. However, Knowles says Rojas has "developed physically" and "picked things up" quickly, impressing with his knowledge of the defense.
Amare Campbell, a transfer from North Carolina, has also caught Knowles' eye in the first two practices. The coordinator praised Campbell's "natural linebacker skills" and said he has the innate instincts that are often lacking in today's college football players.
While it's unclear how Knowles plans to utilize Campbell, the coach is confident in the team's linebacker depth, which includes returning starters Rojas and Dominic DeLuca, as well as Keon Wylie and Anthony Speca.
Beyond the linebacker corps, Penn State's special teams unit is also aiming to improve. The team's punt return game struggled last season, finishing 96th nationally with a 5.91 average. Knowles says he has "a lot of answers" and expects to see significant improvement in the return game this year.
