Written By Adam Aniba
Nittany Lions edge rusher Chop Robinson is projected by most scouting outlets to be drafted in the top 25, but his teammate and fellow DE definitely deserves his flowers as well.
PSU edge rusher Adisa Isaac had a breakout year and is a priority Day 2 option for teams in need of help at the position.
Adisa Isaac
6'4" 247 lbs | DE | PSU
Draft Proj Late 2nd Rd
Career (40 Games)- 92 TAK (47 solo), 13.5 TFL, 14.5 SACKS, 2 FF & 1 FR
'23 Stats (13 Games)- 37 TAK (23 solo), 16.0 TFL, 7.5 SACKS, 1 FF & 1 FR
Background
Isaac grew up Brooklyn, NY and lined up t adefensive end and lettered in track & field for Canarsie High School.
The 3-time captain finished his senior season with 88 total tackles, 34 tackles for a loss and set the Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) record with 25 sacks in a single season.
The Canarsie HS edge rusher was awarded a 4-star grade by ESPN and 247 Sports. Isaac also ranked number 1 in New York at his position and 80th overall nationally by ESPN.
Isaac was highly coveted during a competitive recruiting process, which ultimately resulted in the Canarsie HS pass rusher committing to Penn state for the 2019 season.
Between 2019-2020 Isaac was primarily used as a reserve pass rusher totaling 3 sacks, 27 tackles, 3 tackles for a loss and a forced fumble in 23 games.
The following season in 2021, Isacc would miss the the entire season due to an Achilles tendon tear. Isaac would bounce back in a big way the following season though.
In 2022 Isaac returned from injury and played in all 13 games and led the team with 11 tackles for a loss.
Isaac would put it all together in 2023 and was named a team captain. Despite the success of teammate and projected 1st round edge rusher rusher Chop Robinson, Isaac led the Lions with 7.5 sacks and 15 tackles for a loss.
He finished tied for 6th in the Big 10 in tackles for a loss, in addition Isaac finished tied for 3rd in the Big 10 among defensive lineman.
The Nittany Lions pass rusher earned All-Big 10 3rd Team honors by the coaches and was named the team's Reid Robinson Defensive Lineman Award (top defensive lineman).
PROS
Effectively utilizes his length (33 7/8" arms) to quickly disengage from would be blockers
Displays functional flexibility to bend the edge, but also posses the power to overwhelm blockers
Thrived when moved around on the D-Line particularly with stunts/twists
Fierce run defender who takes on contact with solid technique
Ability to anchor is evident, as is his high football IQ per PSU coaches
CONS
Guilty of freelancing at times
Needs work on counters and hand placement
Although boasts above average upper-body strength, will need to work on strengthening lower-body
Occasionally susceptible to misdirection and guilty of taking bad angles
Doesn't always display suddenness in his get-off
Outlook
The PSU pass rusher posted a respectful 4.74 second forty-yard dash time and a 1.64 second 10-yard split during the NFL Combine.
Isaac effectively utilizes his length and displays versatility regardless if he's in a 2-point or 3-point stance, which also makes him scheme versatile based on his skill-set.
Some teams will likely have Isaac in the top 50 on their draft board. One thing is clear though, the Nittany Lion's pass rusher boasts the measurables, motor and situational awareness to contribute immediately on the next level.
*GAMES WATCHED*
9/23/23 vs Iowa, 9/30 vs Northwestern, 10/14 vs UMass, 10/21 vs OSU & 11/11 vs Michigan
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