Coordinator No. 4: LB Tony Rojas Finds Connection With DC D’Anton Lynn

Linebacker Tony Rojas is no stranger to transition at Penn State. Entering his fourth collegiate season, the redshirt junior has had to adapt to four distinct defensive philosophies under four different coordinators: Manny Diaz, Tom Allen, Jim Knowles, and now D’Anton Lynn.

For a linebacker expected to anchor the defense, that constant turnover in scheme and leadership could easily create friction or fatigue. Instead, Rojas formed an immediate bond with Lynn, citing a level of communication he hasn’t experienced previously with the Nittany Lions.

“He’s been great. From a personal level, he’s been amazing,” Rojas said at Big Ten Media Days on Tuesday. “This is the first time I’ve had a personal level of connection with the DC.”

That bond extends onto the field as well. Rojas highlighted Lynn’s collaborative approach to play-calling and player comfort.

“He’s the first coach that I’ve heard talk to me about, if there’s a play call that we don’t like, we can go and talk to him about it because he’s the type of coach that, he’s gonna call the play that we’re most comfortable with,” Rojas said. “Whenever we’re not comfortable with something in practice, we gotta communicate, and he’s not gonna call it in games.”

Before going down with a season-ending injury four games into last season, Rojas was producing at a dominant level, racking up 25 tackles and two sacks. He was also making major strides in tackling efficiency, dropping his missed-tackle rate from 22.1% in 2024 down to 8.3% early last season, per PFF.

As he returns to full health, establishing complete trust in Lynn’s scheme is vital for both Rojas’ and the Nittany Lions’ overall defensive trajectory. Lynn’s NFL-style system relies on versatile linebackers who can diagnose plays quickly without overthinking.

“It’s been a big blessing to have him on the field and as a coach,” Rojas said. “Obviously he’s been in our shoes at the same university at the same level, and it’s been super blessed.”

Having played cornerback at Penn State himself (2008-2011), Lynn understands the demands and pressure that come with leading the defense. That shared background gives Lynn a distinct perspective when coaching a star talent like Rojas, bridging the gap between scheme and personnel.