Penn State football: Chop Robinson could be the best EDGE in the nation

The 2023 season is only a few months away, and the hype surrounding this year’s Penn State football team is soaring. After a program-defining 11-2 season in 2022, it seems that the Nittany Lions are poised for another massive season, with most experts projecting them to win 10-11 games this fall. A crucial element of Penn State’s future success will be its defense, particularly the pass rush, which will be led by Chop Robinson, the returning EDGE with the highest grade in the nation.

Highest graded returning Edge rushers? pic.twitter.com/2ht0QzSemP

— PFF College (@PFF_College) May 9, 2023

Last season, in his first year with the Blue and White after transferring from Maryland, Robinson displayed his potential on numerous occasions, particularly in the Lions’ 30-0 victory over his former team in November. Recently, Pro Football Focus released its list of the top 10 returning pass rushers for the 2023 season, and Robinson claimed the top spot. This fall, Robinson could be one of the most lethal defensive weapons on the college football field.

Could Penn State football star Chop Robinson become a top EDGE this fall?

Chop Robinson’s 6-foot-3, 253-pound frame is perhaps one of the most ideal for a pass rusher, and his skills match his physique. In his first season with Penn State football, Robinson was an instrumental part of Manny Diaz’s elite defense, contributing 26 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two pass deflections, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.

In 2022, Robinson was named the nation’s top-graded pass rusher by PFF, and heading into his second season with the Blue and White, he has once again been ranked as the best, being named the No. 1 returning pass rusher for the 2023 season.

In PFF’s top-10 highest-graded pass rushers of the 2022 season, Robinson claimed the top spot with a 90.6 overall grade among some elite company, while the next-highest pass rusher was Bralen Trice from Washington, with an 89.1 overall grade. This fall, both Robinson and Trice will be returning to their respective fields, making them the top two heading into the new year.

In addition to his high grade for the upcoming season, Robinson has also been projected as a late-first-round pick in a few early 2024 mock drafts. This fall, Robinson will have a chance to establish himself as one of the best (if not the best) pass rushers in the nation, as he looks to lead Penn State football to a Big Ten title and more.

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