James Franklin came to Penn State with the “Linebacker U” tradition already in place.
Throughout his 11 years, he’s kept up the rich history of the position, including coaching one of the best players to ever wear No. 11.
First team: Micah Parsons (2018-19), Cam Brown (2016-19), Mike Hull (2010-14)
Not only is Micah Parsons at the top for linebackers in this Franklin-era team, he’s also one of the best players regardless of position to come through Happy Valley recently.
Parsons’ game-wrecking potential was on full display en route to being named a first team All-American in 2019. His best includes being all over the field against Memphis in the Cotton Bowl, registering 14 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks and two forced fumbles.
Even as a freshman, Parsons had a team-high 83 tackles. He was more than qualified to don the historic No. 11 with the Nittany Lions, becoming one of the latest legends of ST1X C1TY.
Parsons’ teammate, Cam Brown, was another game wrecker as he tallied 199 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 11 pass break ups, five sacks and four forced fumbles in his four-year career.
Brown pressured Kenny Pickett twice to force incompletions during Penn State’s 2019 goal-line stand against Pitt. There’s talk that the Panthers should’ve gone for it on fourth-and-goal, but the way Brown’s play suggested Pitt had no shot.
An early member of the Franklin era, Mike Hull, played just one season under Franklin.
Still, his 138-tackle season was one to remember. His physicality out of the position catapulted him to an All-Big Ten first-team selection and his leadership helped kick off the Franklin era with a winning season.
Linebacker Jason Cabinda (40) chases Iowa running back Akrum Wadley (25) during their game at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017. No. 4 Penn State won 21-19.
Linsey Fagan
Second team: Jason Cabinda (2014-17), Brandon Bell (2013-16), Brandon Smith (2019-21)
After just one year prior in the rotation, Jason Cabinda broke out with 100 tackles in 2015. He then earned All-Big Ten honors in each of his last three seasons. He was an all-around playmaker with 16.5 tackles for loss and six sacks in his career.
Cabinda developing into a reliable tackler and becoming a leader was key for the team’s resurgence to the national stage. So was Brandon Bell, another member of ST1X C1TY.
Bell came alive when it mattered most with 18 tackles and a sack during an upset win over Ohio State in 2016. Later that year, Bell accumulated 13 tackles with a sack and forced fumble versus Wisconsin to help win the Big Ten championship.
Brandon Smith played a critical role in Pry’s last season as defensive coordinator. He was a semifinalist for The Butkus Award on top of garnering All-Big Ten third-team recognition.
Smith excelled as an off-ball linebacker with his high-end athleticism, notching 81 tackles and two sacks in 2021. He could be trusted in pass coverage too, receiving an 80 PFF coverage grade.
Linebacker Tony Rojas (13) runs to the endzone after making an interception during the first round game of the College Football Playoff between Penn State and Southern Methodist on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 in Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. The Nittany Lions beat the Mustangs 38-10.
Sienna Pinney
Third team: Tony Rojas (2023-present), Ellis Brooks (2017-21), Curtis Jacobs (2020-23)
Tony Rojas notched 58 tackles, three interceptions and a sack last season. As a former high school running back, Rojas could make plays like his pick six against SMU that saw him evade numerous tackles.
He notably played most of the season with an injury, so heading into 2025, his ceiling might not have been seen just yet. As a projected starter, Rojas likely will play a key role if the team lives up to the national championship hype it’s received.
Ellis Brooks’ 2021 season makes him Penn State’s most recent player to reach 100 tackles in a year. His quick reaction time allowed him to thrive on run plays, getting to the line of scrimmage in an instance to plug any gaps.
Rounding out the team is Curtis Jacobs. The McDonogh School product received playing time his freshman year before becoming a starting for each of his remaining years, totaling 170 tackles, 24 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks in his career.
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