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Penn State Football: Top five scrambling QBs in program history

By Collin Wieder

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Daryll Clark #17 of the Penn State Nittany Lions jumps over Taylor Mays #2 of the USC Trojans to score a touchdown in the first quarter of the 95th Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi on January 1, 2009 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Daryll Clark #17 of the Penn State Nittany Lions jumps over Taylor Mays #2 of the USC Trojans to score a touchdown in the first quarter of the 95th Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi on January 1, 2009 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) /
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Penn State’s Michael Robinson gets ready to throw the game-winning touchdown to Derrick Williams against Northwestern at Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois, Sept. 24, 2005. Penn State won 34-29. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Penn State’s Michael Robinson gets ready to throw the game-winning touchdown to Derrick Williams against Northwestern at Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois, Sept. 24, 2005. Penn State won 34-29. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2. Michael Robinson

The first-ever “LION” for Penn State football, Michael Robinson did it all for three seasons, playing wide receiver, running back and quarterback. His career showed flashes of playmaking, while splitting time with starter Zack Mills.

Robinson accounted for 2,641 total yards of offense and 18 total touchdowns on 452 offensive touches during that span alongside Mills. His career leading up to his senior year did have a question mark of whether he really could take over and become a full-time starter at QB. He silenced or flattened any doubters in a hurry.

Before Clark used his powerful running style to pulverize defenders into oblivion, Robinson paved the way. When he wanted to run and get yards, he could do it at will. As evidenced by his move to running back and then fullback in the NFL.

He led Penn State to its best season in a decade, going 11-1 and winning the Orange Bowl against Florida State. He proved he could play quarterback in 2005. Robinson threw for 2,350 yards, 17 touchdowns against 10 interceptions and recorded statically the best rushing season by a QB in Penn State history with 806 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Robinson just happened to play QB at the same time that Vince Young led Texas to a national title, otherwise his name might’ve stuck out more in the annals of college football history.

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