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Chop Robinson the highest-graded pass rusher of 2022

According to Pro Football Focus, no pass rusher was more impactful in 2022 than Penn State’s own Chop Robinson.

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Penn State football, Max Granville, Deion Barnes, 2025 recruiting
Nov 5, 2022; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Chop Robinson (44) rushes Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Jack Tuttle (14) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

Penn State football saw a legendary turnaround in 2022 — the Nittany Lions went from 7-6 and unranked to 11-2 and in the top-10 in the span of one year. One of biggest factors behind Penn State’s success was the Nittany Lions’ incredible defense, which performed at an elite-level in year one of Manny Diaz.

One member of Penn State’s defense was transfer defensive end Chop Robinson. We figured Robinson would make an impact; however, I don’t think anyone saw him growing into the elite pass rusher that he did.

Chop Robinson at Penn State

Ahead of the 2022 football season, Chop Robinson announced that he would be leaving the Maryland football program. Soon after, Robinson sent out another announcement: he was headed to a fellow Big Ten school; one that Maryland hates quite a bit. Chop Robinson’s transfer from Maryland to Penn State was a move that made a lot of sense for him, and even more so, it helped Penn State’s defense blossom into one of the nation’s best units.

Throughout his first season in State College, Chop Robinson compiled 18 solo tackles, 5.5 sacks, and forced one fumble. Against his former school, Robinson racked up three tackles and two sacks in his “revenge” game against the Terrapins. He helped lead the way to a 30-0 shutout in Penn State’s 9th win of the 2022 season.

After one season, Robinson earned 2nd-team All-Big Ten honors from Pro Football Focus (PFF) as well as honorable mention from the coaches and media. Additionally, he earned Penn State’s Reid Robinson Outstanding Defensive Lineman Award.

PFF released top-10 pass rushers of 2022


When PFF released their top-10 highest-graded pass rushers of the 2022 season, a familiar face sat at No. 1. Chop Robinson — Penn State’s standout defensive end — took first place among some elite company with a 90.6 overall grade. The next-highest pass rusher was Bralen Trice (Washington), who boasted an 89.1 overall grade.

The good news for Penn State fans? Chop Robinson will be returning to the Nittany Lions’ sideline in 2023.

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