Penn State spring debuts: Which defensive newcomer stands out?

The yearly cycle of newcomers in college football is, at this point, never ending. At Penn State, that takes shape with waves of May and June arrivals from both the transfer portal and incoming traditional recruiting classes.

And, in what has transformed from a unique circumstance into a commonplace occurrence, January enrollees represent the norm. This offseason, that has meant the addition of four players in the transfer portal, plus another 11 true freshmen early enrollees from the Class of 2023.

With Penn State football’s preseason practices set to begin in less than a week, we’re evaluating the players on both sides of the ball worth keeping a close eye on.

Question: Which defensive newcomer are you most interested to see in action this spring?

Nate Bauer: The Storm’s brewing

Within a few minutes of interviewing Storm Duck in December, his maturity and potential as a Penn State team leader shone through. A graduate transfer from North Carolina with second-team All-ACC honors on his resume in his career as a Tarheel, he was eager for a change of scenery and a new challenge before capping his collegiate career.

In his two months on Penn State’s campus, the sentiment has been backed up exponentially. Recognized for his presence in the cornerback room and on the team, his intent to earn respect from his teammates and coaches has landed throughout the Lasch Building. Said head coach James Franklin, “That’s hearing from the academic staff, hearing from their peers to players, as well as the strength staff, and then early indications.”

And, Franklin included, he also has the makings of a pretty good football player. With Joey Porter Jr.’s weekend performance at the NFL Combine offering a stark reminder of what the Nittany Lions are losing from the room, Duck’s addition to a group that still includes big returning contributions from Kalen King, Daequan Hardy, and Johnny Dixon is going to be fascinating to see.

Greg Pickel: Rojas are red?

There were a few eyebrow-raising weight gains on the updated Penn State roster before spring practice begins. The one that caught my eye the most, though, was linebacker Tony Rojas‘ jump from 195 pounds when he arrived in early January to 214 before he puts the pads on for the first time in State College.

It was a well-known fact that the former Virginia Gatorade football player of the year was going to need to add weight before he could play in the Big Ten. And, he wasted no time doing so.

Defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Manny Diaz has four returning players with many game reps in his position group to go along with others who will be vying for a spot in the rotation. That group now includes Rojas, who should play on special teams at worst out of the gate and may prove too speedy and effective to prevent burning his redshirt. That would also equal him playing well enough to earn reps at linebacker during the regular season. It’s why he’s the most intriguing newcomer in my mind. 

Sean Fitz: Washington at work

Penn State has shown in the past that they’ll throw freshmen out there early at cornerback. Last year, Florida native Cam Miller burned his redshirt while playing some corner and mostly special teams. I could see that happening again with another Sunshine State native in Elliot Washington.

The midyear addition came in physically ready and impressed in winter workouts. He has some traffic ahead of him in Kalen King, Johnny Dixon, Storm Duck and the aforementioned Miller, but Washington could be a sneaky pick to burn his redshirt. He’s fast and explosive and could be an immediate boost to the Nittany Lions’ special teams.