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Assistant coach Dan Connor was worried when Kobe King left Penn State for the NFL after last season.
King was an underrated performer and a strong leader who started at inside linebacker the last two seasons.
Connor didn’t know who would replace him until the Nittany Lions received a gift from the transfer portal in May.
That’s when Amare Campbell announced he would be leaving North Carolina, where he had been a starter, for Linebacker U.
Campbell’s decision might not have made the same splash as those of wide receivers Kyron Hudson, Devonte Ross and Trebor Pena, but it was equally as important. His addition has made the Penn State linebackers so much better.
“I’m happy with how he’s playing,” Connor said. “He’s a savvy veteran. He’s a really smart player. I’ve talked a bunch about how smart Dom (DeLuca) is and Amare’s on the same level.
“He’s been playing well. He handles himself well as a leader of the group, a leader on the defense.”
Through Penn State’s three non-conference games, Campbell leads the second-ranked Lions with 22 tackles and has three in the backfield, a sack and a quarterback hurry. He’s helped the first team hold Nevada, Florida International and Villanova to no touchdowns.
At 6-0, 230 pounds, he doesn’t stick out during pregame exercises. Once the game starts, it’s a different story.
“He doesn’t have all the flash, but he’s an unbelievable player,” Connor said. “He’s a vet. He’s played a lot of football. He’s been productive. When you see how quickly he can apply what he’s learned at full speed, that’s what is most impressive.
“He’s a great fit. He fits the Penn State culture so well. He’s been a real valuable addition to a younger room.”
Campbell mostly plays alongside Tony Rojas, who emerged as a starting outside linebacker last season. Rojas is second on the team in tackles with 18 and is tied for the lead with 4.5 tackles for loss one year after an upper-body injury slowed him.
“I’ve been impressed,” defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said. “He has high-level linebacker traits in terms of his physical skills. He’s playing a lot more physically than I saw in the past.
“He’s learning the scheme, which can allow him to know where the ball is going to be before it gets there. He has real speed and playmaking ability that you look for in a linebacker at this level.”
Rojas has played in every game since he arrived at Penn State in 2023. Last season he made 58 tackles and intercepted three passes, returning one for a touchdown against SMU in a College Football Playoff opener.
The injury, though, prevented Rojas from making or finishing some tackles. It’s obvious he’s completely healthy now.
“Those types of injuries are hard to play with,” Connor said. “There’s the power you lose when you’re wearing harnesses and wraps. So that’s going to hinder anyone.
“It was his first year playing and you saw some really good things. He pushed himself to a different level in the offseason. I’m really excited about him.”
Then there’s the indefatigable DeLuca, the former Wyoming Area star who splits time between inside and outside backer. He continues to have a knack for making big plays, such as his blocked punt against FIU and his two interceptions against SMU, including one he returned for a TD.
“He’s the leader on the team,” Connor said. “He can play multiple positions and pick it up right away. He always gets roped into the category of being steady. Realistically he is a playmaker. He’ll make big-time plays.
“He’s a true football player. His instincts and ability to anticipate, that’s what makes him a really good player.”
While Knowles, Connor and head coach James Franklin might question the depth at linebacker, they have complete faith and confidence in Campbell, Rojas and DeLuca.
“We’re just trying to improve every week,” Rojas said. “We’re playing faster. We’re communicating better. We’re more confident in our calls. Defense wins championships.
“There always has to be a high standard. We have to think it’s 0-0 all the time no matter what the score is. If they give us an inch, we’ll take it.”