Those in the stadium for Penn State’s Blue-White Game noticed No. 40 Anthony Speca on the field at all times. The redshirt freshman linebacker has garnered praise from James Franklin and linebackers coach Dan Connor throughout the spring and finally got a chance to show why on Saturday.

As for why Speca played so much, the Nittany Lions have a limited linebacker group heading into 2025. With the losses of Beckham Dee and Ta’Mere Robinson to the transfer portal and now Tony Rojas due to injury, guys like Speca have to step up.

“I think we have enough in the room, but to get through an entire season, if we get some injuries, it could get challenging,” Franklin said.

The good thing for Penn State is that they have enough time to find a fix, and the portal is still filled with talented linebackers. Amare Campbell from UNC, Kamal Bonner from NC State, and Andrew Simpson from Boise State headline a group of potential difference-makers for Penn State.

At his post-spring game press conference, Franklin made it clear the Nittany Lions will give the portal a strong look.

“So if there is a linebacker out there that wants to come and be a part of our program and play for the LBU, the most historic linebacker program in the history of college football, there’s an opportunity here to join the room and compete,” Franklin said.

Another option could be relying on the young guys in the room to fill the team’s needs. Speca, Kari Jackson, and Keon Wylie have spent at least a year at Penn State and could play larger roles this season.

“They’re all stepping up. They’re all trying to make their name for themselves. Deion is hungry. I know Speca is hungry. I know Kari is hungry,” linebacker and team captain Dom DeLuca said. “They’re bringing the standard up in the room.”

Franklin doubled down, saying he thinks that Speca has had one of the most impressive and consistent springs in terms of a grade standpoint for Penn State. The young linebacker had a good spring game, picking up a fumble early in the third quarter and recording a few tackles.

With the losses of leaders in the linebacker room, such as Kobe King, to the NFL Draft and Robinson to the transfer portal, Speca knew it was his time to step up and take a leadership role.

“In high school especially, I think I took on a big leadership role. And you get to college, and you’re kind of a younger guy, so you kind of sit back and play your role,” Speca said. “But now we’ve lost two guys in the LB room, I knew it was my time to step up, just for the team and for the room.”

Speca thanked Connor for helping him grow as a leader. The linebacker said his coach told him to win at everything he does, help the younger guys out, and show everyone that you’re a dude, and the respect will come.

Another potential answer to the Penn State linebacker question is true freshman LaVar Arrington II. He enrolled early with Penn State and has received hype since arriving on campus and donning the famous No. 11.

His size and technique stood out right away, not normal for an early-enrolled freshman. While his odds to start are slim, Arrington could make a difference down the stretch for a thin Penn State linebacker group.

“Tony’s going to come back and reclaim his title, but right now LaVar’s the most athletic dude in the room,” Speca said. “I mean, he’s freakish, he’s strong, he’s super fast, and he really flashed on tape.”

Deluca also talked about Arrington’s athletic ability and speed.

Regardless of what direction Penn State plans to go with the linebackers, there is no doubt that DeLuca and Rojas will be featured throughout the season. Rojas is currently injured and did not play in the Blue-White Game, but DeLuca saw some reps.

“I think [DeLuca’s] going to be able to thrive in this,” Franklin said. “Being able to get Rojas back is going to be important as well, but I think we’re in good shape, but there’s some concerns there.”