Penn State defender thanks Lions' staff as he heads to the portal; Chop Robinson shines at Combine: Newsstand
Penn State news, notes, and updates for March 1 include a Nittany Lion planning to enter the portal before spring practice starts, a big day for Chop Robinson in Indianapolis, and more.
It’s time to dive into Friday’s top tweets and headlines about the Nittany Lions and college athletics.
Penn State tweets of the day
We start with Jordan van den Berg. After three seasons in State College, the Penn State defensive tackle is moving on. He said Thursday night, a week and change before spring practice starts, that he is set to enter the transfer portal as a graduate transfer for his final two college seasons.
“I would like to start by thanking Coach [James] Franklin, Coach [Deion] Barnes, Coach T, and the rest of the staff and community for an amazing three seasons,” van den Berg wrote in a statement. “It was an honor to be a part of Penn State. I would like to thank all my teammates all the memories and lifelong friendships we created.”
In other news, Chop Robinson made headlines at the NFL Combine on Thursday after he turned in a 4.48-second 40-yard dash that included a historic-for-his-size 1.54-second 10-yard split wowed onlookers in Indianapolis.
Top 10
- 1
Danny Stutsman Jersey Theft
OU star's Senior Day jersey stolen
- 2
SEC fines OU twice
Sooners get double punishment
- 3
Big 12 title game
Scenarios illustrate complexity
- 4Hot
AP Poll Shakeup
New Top 25 shows Saturday carnage
- 5
Auburn punished
SEC fines Tigers for field storming
“Robinson needed to show off his athleticism at the combine after posting middling production at Penn State (9.5 sacks in two seasons),” Chad Reuter writes for NFL.com. “His 4.48-second 40 (with a 1.54 10-yard split) was impressive, especially at 254 pounds. His agility in drills also provided a look at his potential as a scheme-versatile edge rusher.
“Robinson’s ability to turn around the bags and cones during drills portend an ability to win against NFL offensive tackles. His average height (6-2 7/8) and length (32 1/2-inch arm, 76 1/4-inch wingspan) might still be an obstacle for him against bigger blockers.”
Headlines of the day
Where does Penn State tight end Theo Johnson stands going into the NFL scouting combine?: Flounders, PennLive
Penn State aims still within reach after Iowa setback: Bauer, BWI
Scouting Penn State’s Spring Questions on Defense: Ralph, SI
Power ranking the Penn State defense ahead of spring football: Carr, BWI
Penn State’s Chop Robinson wows NFL combine with 4.48 40: Legwold, ESPN
Penn State testing offers snapshot of winter gains: Bauer, BWI
Quote of the day
“I’m definitely relentless. I try to be consistent with my hands, stay with low pad level, keep my hands inside their chest so no man can move me back. I’ve just been trying to work on my hands and build muscle memory. I thought I was way more inconsistent last year using my hands and just relying on my speed. So I’ve been working on that and being consistent with my hands.”
–Former PSU DE Chop Robinson on his self evaluation at the NFL Combine.
