Going into his second season in Happy Valley, Chop Robinson is already a centerpiece of the Penn State football defense. The Maryland transfer quickly became a fan favorite in 2022 for his explosive play off the edge. Now preparing for his first season as a starter, Robinson is already receiving attention as a potential first-round pick in next year’s NFL Draft. But for now, Robinson has a more immediate focus: to prove that he is the best edge rusher in college football.
Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson believes he is the best in college football
This week, Pro Football Focus’s (PFF) Matt Chadwick published an interview with Penn State football defenders Chop Robinson and Kalen King. While neither Nittany Lion lacked confidence in their statements, Robinson was particularly bold about where he thinks he stands in the landscape of college football. “No question,” Robinson told Chadwick. “I definitely feel like I’m the best edge rusher in college football.”
If last year is any indication, then Chop Robinson can back this claim up. With 455 snaps in 2022 (ranked eighth for defensive players), Robinson posted 10 tackles for loss, third most on the team. Robinson was second on the team in sacks with 5.5 and added three QB hurries, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery to his stat line last year.
Despite not starting a game in 2022, Robinson received high acclaim from college football analysts and the media. Robinson was a second-team All-Big Ten selection from both the coaches and media and made PFF’s All-Big Ten second-team roster.
Now, Chop Robinson is on a mission to prove he’s the best edge rusher in college football in 2023. Robinson credits his speed and strength as the defining characteristic between him and other edge rushers. But according to Kalen King, the Penn State defender just has another level. “Chop is just a force,” King told Chadwick. “He’s explosive, he’s fast, he’s aggressive. He just gets to the quarterback. He makes my life easier. I love Chop.”
Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at [email protected] or direct message us on our social media. Also, be sure to check out our new site shop. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!