Penn State star DE makes NFL Draft, Peach Bowl decision

The Penn State football team had high expectations for their defensive unit in 2023. The headliner on the defensive line was Chop Robinson, but what Adisa Isaac did on the opposite side of the line this season was downright impressive. Because of his on-field performance this season, Isaac has made a decision surrounding his future. Late Wednesday night, Penn State defensive end Adisa Isaac will officially declare for the 2024 NFL Draft after playing in the Peach Bowl.

Penn State star DE makes NFL Draft, Peach Bowl decision

Everything went right for Adisa Isaac in 2023. He was named a team captain ahead of the 2023 season; he stayed healthy and made the most of his opportunities on the field, putting up monster numbers. Isaac accounted for 27 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks proving that he is ready for the next level on the field.

And now, Isaac is moving on to the NFL. In his official statement released Wednesday night, Isaac wrote, “Penn State family, These have been some of the most remarkable years of my life. For five years, I have been able to go to work and make lifelong memories with my brothers and this great coaching staff. We’ve competed in front of the best fans in the country, and none of this has ever been taken for granted. What a privilege it has been to be able to pursue my academic career as well. And now, I can call myself a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University.

“I am so appreciative of what Coach Franklin and this football family have done for me and my family over the course of these years. I arrived at Penn State as a kid, and I am leaving a man thanks to the guidance of all the great coaches and players I met along the way. It is more than just football, they have taught me about overcoming adversity, which prepared me for my life away from this program and I am forever grateful.

“I am excited to share that after the Peach Bowl, I will be declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. I am extremely excited for this next opportunity that lies ahead for me. We Are!”

#AGTG Thank you Penn State!!
WeAre!! pic.twitter.com/RQR3KAxOKx

— Adisa Isaac (@A1Isaac1) December 28, 2023

His decision to play in the Peach Bowl makes sense. Isaac spoke to the media on December 16th and stated, “As a captain, it’s my duty to finish what I started. Me personally, it wouldn’t have been right to just leave.”

Now, he has backed that up by confirming his decision.

The journey for Adisa Isaac

Adisa Isaac was a four-star recruit in the 2019 Penn State football recruiting class. A native of Brooklyn, New York he took his time to develop into the player we saw on the field in 2023. You knew he was going to be special when he appeared in 11 games during his true freshman campaign in 2019.

Adversity struck when Isaac was forced to redshirt during the 2021 season due to injury. But he bounced back in both 2022 and 2023, proving that he was one of the top defensive linemen in the country. He will leave Penn State after appearing in 45 games, collecting 90 tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss, and 14.5 sacks.

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