New linebacker signal‑caller expected
Penn State’s linebacker room is shifting leadership — the program is replacing both of last year’s 'green dot' signal‑callers and says a new on‑field defensive signal‑caller will emerge as the room adapts to scheme changes. (onwardstate.com) Coaches are navigating that personnel turnover as spring drills move toward their April 25 close. (si.com)
Penn State is replacing both of last season’s defensive headset linebackers, and coaches say a new on-field signal-caller is expected to emerge before spring practice ends on April 25. (onwardstate.com) (gopsusports.com) The “green dot” is the helmet marker for the defender who gets calls from the sideline and relays them to the front seven. Last season, Amare Campbell and Dominic DeLuca split that job, but both are now gone from the room. (onwardstate.com 1) (onwardstate.com 2) Linebackers coach Tyson Veidt said Tuesday that Tony Rojas can play all three linebacker spots, while Cam Smith has added 25 pounds since Veidt arrived in January. Veidt and head coach Matt Campbell came to Penn State this offseason after eight seasons together at Iowa State. (onwardstate.com) (gopsusports.com) Penn State is sorting this out during a full defensive reset under coordinator D’Anton Lynn and a new staff assembled by Campbell after the 2025 season. The official roster lists Veidt as linebackers coach and Dan Connor as an assistant at the position. (si.com) (gopsusports.com) The room also has three Iowa State transfers who already know Veidt’s system: Kooper Ebel, Cael Brezina, and Caleb Bacon. Brezina previously wore the green dot for the Cyclones, though he said Iowa State relied more on sideline signals than on helmet communication. (onwardstate.com) (gopsusports.com) Rojas remains central to the reshuffle after missing the rest of 2025 with a leg injury suffered two days after Penn State’s White Out loss to Oregon. In 2024, he finished with 58 tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack, four pass breakups, and three interceptions. (onwardstate.com 1) (onwardstate.com 2) Smith is part of the other track in this competition: physical development. Veidt said the weight gain is about giving him enough “armor” to handle linebacker duties in Penn State’s new setup. (onwardstate.com) Penn State’s spring closes with an open Blue-White practice at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 25, at Beaver Stadium. By then, the staff expects the linebacker room to be closer to settling who speaks for the defense when the next call comes in. (gopsusports.com) (onwardstate.com)
