Penn State Football: Ranking the 10 best players on the 2023 roster

STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 01: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions leads the team onto the field before the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium on October 1, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

6 of 11

AUBURN, ALABAMA – SEPTEMBER 17: Quarterback Robby Ashford #9 of the Auburn Tigers looks to escape a tackle by defensive end Chop Robinson #44 of the Penn State Nittany Lions. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

6. DE Chop Robinson

Speaking of defensive ends, Chop Robinson had an excellent first season with Penn State after transferring from Maryland.

In 12 games, Robinson collected 26 tackles with 10 TFLs and 5.5 sacks. These numbers are impressive considering Robinson was never a full-time starter, mostly playing on obvious passing situation plays.

Robinson also had plenty of big plays that won’t show up on the box score. He had 16 pressures in 2022, most of them leading to a sack by another player or an incomplete pass. He was also the highest rated pass rusher in the Power 5 by Pro Football Focus with a grade of 91.6.

Heading into his junior season, Robinson will have plenty of hype around him, as will the entire defense. His playing time will also increase with Nick Tarburton not returning in 2023.

Between Isaac and Robinson, Penn State Football has one of the best defensive end duos in the nation heading into 2023.

Home/Penn State Football