Four-Star LB Tony Rojas commits to Penn State

Four-star linebacker Tony Rojas of Fairfax (VA) High announced his commitment to Penn State Thursday evening. 

The 6-foot-3, 195 pounder chose the Nittany Lions over Georgia, Clemson, and Miami.

Tony Rojas on why he chose Penn State

“Penn State just felt like home from the first time I stepped on the campus,” Rojas said. “The relationships with all the coaches have been unmatched compared to other schools. They have been the most on me, and have shown love to not just me but my whole family including my grandparents. Especially my older sister going next to Penn State next year too. It just made it even better because it’s closer to home and knowing a close family member goes to my school is comforting and exciting.” 

Strong Relationships with PSU coaching staff

“I’m closest with coach Diaz,coach Seider, coach Franklin, and all the coaches really,” Rojas said. They have been on me since I got the offer. We have great conversations about how we’re gonna play and how excited we are about the future and winning championships.”

Tony Rojas on Penn State’s plan for him

“Penn State loves speedy linebackers that can ride sideline to sideline and can play into coverage,” Rojas said. “They see me as someone who can blitz, cover the pass, and stop the run so I’m excited for this defense and the way coach Diaz blitzes.”

Tony Rojas Scouting Summary

“Two-way standout who projects as one of the more athletic off-ball linebacker prospects in the 2023 cycle,” On3’s Director of Scouting Charles Power wrote. “Measured at around 6-foot-1.5, 194 pounds with a 31.5-inch arm prior to his senior season. Stars as a running back and pass rushing outside linebacker for his high school. Shows outstanding play speed, tracking down plays from across the field. Chases down running backs from behind. Has some pass rush ability with his experience coming off the edge on Friday nights. Makes second effort plays. Showcases big-play athleticism at running back with the ability to tempo his runs, cut run through contact and pull away from defenses in the open field. Coordination and playmaking ability stick out on offense. Has impressive stamina and effort level given how much he plays on both sides of the ball.”

“Finished his junior season with over 1,800 yards from scrimmage and 29 touchdowns to go with 40 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 7 sacks on defense. Flashes the upside as an off-ball defender in the camp setting. Tests as a strong athlete with an electronically-timed 4.68 second 40-yard dash. Lockdown in coverage against running backs in camp settings, rarely if ever getting beat. Turns and runs down the boundary effortlessly. Lacks plus length for the position and will need to continue adding mass at the next level.”

Rojas ranks as the No. 109 player in the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that accounts for all four major recruiting sites. He also tabs in as the No. 8 linebacker and the No. 2 player in the state of Virginia.