Penn State end Chop Robinson talks future plans, Jameial Lyons' progress, and more
Penn State defensive end Chop Robinson spent the entire home portion of the 2023 season admiring a student section sign in his honor. After last weekend’s 27-6 win over Rutgers that closed out the home portion of the Lions’ latest stretch of games at Beaver Stadium, the junior took time to take a photo with the creators of it. Was it an indication of his plans to not return to the 107,000-seat venue as a player again?
“I haven’t sat down and thought about it,” Robinson said. “I’m focused on Michigan State and spending time with the guys. Then, once the season is over, I’ll deal with that.”
Robinson said he does not pay attention to NFL mock drafts. However, it’s impossible to believe that the Maryland native is unaware that many call him a potential first-round pick and all see him going off the board by the end of Round 2, at the latest. He is one of a few Lions who are expected to leave school early and start their pro careers once this season ends. But, he is not ready to address any of that just yet ahead of the regular season finale at Michigan State on Friday (7:30 p.m., NBC). He was, however, willing to discuss his time in State College so far after he joined the Lions two offseasons ago via the transfer portal. At that point in time, he was a linebacker. But, he has transformed into one of the nation’s most disruptive pass rushers following a switch to the front line of the defense ahead of the 2022 season.
“As a man, it helped me,” Robinson said. “Coach Franklin’s message of being early to meetings and being on time, it helped me with my mindset. I didn’t think that was a big deal before I got here. And as for football, being developed by Coach Deion and Coach Scott, it’s been a blessing.”
More from Penn State defensive end Chop Robinson
Robinson covered plenty of other topics during a Tuesday morning call with reporters. He is the subject of this week’s Penn State Q&A.
On the impact Manny Diaz has had
“On my football career, he had a big impact,” Robinson said. “He pushes me and us to be the best. And as a man, he showed me more about that than just becoming a football player. He keeps pushing me and tells me I need to do everything I need to do to be great.”
On going for 10 wins on Friday night
“With us, with 10 wins, of course, that’s not the standard for us, we want 12, but we got to go with what we can,” Robinson said. “With going for 10 wins, we want to keep working and be consistent. That’s our main thing.”
On Penn State freshman defensive end Jameial Lyons
“The main thing is the way he works,” Robinson said. “Same guy every day. When he comes out in practice, he works his butt off and gives everything he has every day. I’ve never seen a guy come in and be confident. That’s good for him, and he has a bright future.”
