Penn State's Chop Robinson Declares for NFL Draft
Penn State's Chop Robinson announced that he will enter the 2024 NFL Draft and forgo the Nittany Lions' appearance in the Peach Bowl. Robinson announced his decision Tuesday on social media. Robinson is the first Penn State football player to declare for the draft and opt out of the Dec. 30 Peach Bowl against Ole Miss.
"To the Penn State fans. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for accepting me with open arms and making these past two years the best years of my life," Robinson wrote. "I will always cherish our time together and your unwavering support through the many ups and downs is something I will be eternally grateful for."
A former linebacker at Maryland, Robinson shifted to defensive end at Penn State, emerging as one of the Big Ten's highest-graded edge rushers over the past two seasons. Robinson was a unanimous first-team All-Big Ten honoree this season after making 7.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. Robinson also forced two fumbles, recovering one, and recorded 16 quarterback hurries.
Robinson projects as a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He's a consensus top-10 edge rusher, according to ESPN, and is the 32nd-ranked player overall, according to NFL Draft Scout.
Robinson became a fan favorite at Penn State after transferring from Maryland in 2022. He shifted from linebacker to end under the tutelage of then-graduate assistant (and current defensive line coach) Deion Barnes.
Before this season, Robinson said that he felt "unstoppable" after working with Barnes. He's also among the Big Ten's most athletic ends. Robinson added 10 pounds in the offseason while lowering his 40 time by more than one-tenth of a second. He shocked himself in offseason testing by running that 4.47, a time that would have ranked seventh at the 2023 NFL Combine. "That's insane," Robinson said. "I didn't expect to move that fast."
“He’s that kid you don’t have to yell at,” Barnes said of Robinson earlier this year. “If he feels like he’s disappointing you, he’ll feel bad about it and try his best to be able to execute. He’s a kid who understands his flaws at times and he’ll work on those things before or after practice, in the film room, and do whatever he needs to do to fix those flaws. He’s a conscientious, self-aware player.”
Robinson became known for his chop celebration (suggested by teammate Dani Dennis-Sutton) that capitalized on his nickname. Robinson further turned that nickname into an NIL deal, signing with the Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council to promote pork products.
More Penn State Football
How Penn State is navigating the Transfer Portal
James Franklin, Lane Kiffin discuss the College Football Playoff
Penn State to face Ole Miss in the Peach Bowl
Penn State hires Andy Kotelnicki as its next offensive coordinator
How Andy Kotelnicki's offense will fit at Penn State
Scouting report from Kansas on Andy Kotelnicki, Penn State's new offensive coordinator
AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button's on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.
