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Adisa Isaac illuminates how Penn State can get over the hump

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby:Grant Grubbs•02/01/24•

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Penn State defensive end Adisa Isaac. (Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK)
© Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK

Penn State pushes its way near the top of the mountain every season. However, the program is yet to reach the peak. This season was no exception.

After beginning the season with a 6-0 record, the Nittany Lions fell 20-12 to Ohio State on Oct. 21. Just three weeks later, Penn State suffered a loss to the Big Ten’s other perennial powerhouse, Michigan.

In a conversation with On3’s Andy Staples, Penn State EDGE Adisa Isaac revealed how the program can finally get over the hump.

“Honestly, we just have to stay consistent and keep doing what we’ve been doing,” Isaac said. “It’s not like we had a bad season. But, we have bigger goals and our standard is way higher than that. We just have to be consistent and focus on the finer details of things and just fine tune where we feel like we were lacking on the previous year.”

Penn State’s only other loss this past season came against Ole Miss in the bowl game. Penn State hasn’t defeated both Ohio State and Michigan in the same season since 2008. The Nittany Lions finished as the No. 8 team in the country that season.

Adisa Isaac moving on from Penn State

If Penn State finally defeats both Michigan and Ohio State next season, Isaac won’t be there to see it. On Dec. 27, Isaac declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. Isaac could’ve declared for the draft last year but opted to run it back with Penn State.

It paid off, as he turned in the best numbers of his career, setting new career highs with 15.0 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks — leading the Nittany Lions in both categories. That came after 11 TFLs and 4.0 sacks a year ago.

“These have been some of the most remarkable years of my life,” Isaac wrote. “For five years I have been able to go to work and make lifelong memories with my brothers and this great coaching staff. We’ve competed in front of the best fans in the country, and none of this has ever been taken for granted. 

“What a privilege it has been to be able to pursue my academic career as well. And now I can also call myself a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University. … I am excited to share that after the Peach Bowl, I will be declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. I am extremely excited for this next opportunity that lies ahead for me.”