Penn State DE Chop Robinson named among Top 10 returning edge rushers for 2023
Penn State knew it was getting a good player when Chop Robinson transferred from Maryland last April. While head coach James Franklin and defensive line coach John Scott Jr., had high expectations, Robinson likely exceeded them, totaling 10 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks for the Nittany Lions in 2022. That was without spring practice last year to get used to his new teammates and scheme.
As Robinson enters year two at Penn State, expectations couldn’t be higher for the Gaithersburg, Md., native. On Friday, Pro Football Focus chimed in with their thoughts, ranking Robinson as the third-best edge rusher in college football ahead of the 2023 season.
“After seeing limited playing time at Maryland as a true freshman, Robinson transferred intradivision to Penn State and broke out as a sophomore,” PFF wrote. “He led all Power Five edge defenders in overall grade (90.6) and pass-rushing grade (92.4). For his efforts, he was the fourth-most valuable Power Five edge defender according to PFF’s wins above average metric.”
Robinson earned All-Big Ten honorable mention from the coaches and media in his first season at Penn State. He was named the team’s Outstanding Defensive Lineman along with Adisa Isaac in the postseason and he hopes to take that to another level in 2023.
“If I take everything that my coaches told me, especially Deion [Barnes], with being consistent and all those things, I think I’ll be set up great for next season,” said Robinson.
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“With my development, that played a big part this season. I was able to work on and figure out things that I never figured out at my previous college. I’m glad I’m here. That’s my main focus right now. I’m happy.”
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Robinson had two of his best performances when Penn State faced Auburn in week two, then against Utah in the Rose Bowl. Against the Tigers, he earned a 95.5 overall defensive rating, totaling seven quarterback hurries and a sack. His performance at the Rose Bowl earned him an 89.7 overall defensive grade, totaling six quarterback hurries and a sack.
Chop also finished the year with 34 quarterback hurries. That ranked 11th nationally out of more than 1,000 Power Five defensive linemen. It’s also notable that Robinson played just 455 snaps last season. The 10 players that ranked ahead of him in quarterback hurries averaged 623 snaps.
“He came off the edge like I’ve never seen before,” said former Nittany Lions defensive tackle PJ Mustipher. “Playing with AK [Ebiketie], you knew he was capable of changing the game at any point and I think that’s what Chop can do.
“He fits like a glove. Hats off to our coaches because they bring in some phenomenal guys. They’re able to come in like another piece of the puzzle and fit in right away.”
