Three Penn State Players Named to All-Big Ten First-Team Defense

Thirteen Nittany Lions earn all-Big Ten honors representing one of the nation's top defenses.

Three Penn State football players landed on the All-Big Ten first-team defense, with edge rusher Chop Robinson earning consensus honors from the coaches and media. In all, 13 Nittany Lions, including all 11 primary starters, earned all-conference honors from a defense that finished top-three nationally in six major statistical categories and allowed the fewest yards per game nationally in 12 years.

Defensive end Adisa Isaac and linebacker Abdul Carter joined Robinson on the all-Big Ten first-team defense. Penn State tied Michigan and Ohio State for most first-team selections, while Iowa had two. Cornerback Kalen King earned second-team honors from coaches and media, and three Lions earned third-team honors.

Robinson recorded half of his tackles this season for loss (7.5) and made four sacks. He also forced two fumbles, recovering one, and recorded 16 quarterback hurries. 

Isaac had a huge season, ranking No. 1 in the Big Ten among pass rushers in points saved, points saved per rush and points above average, according to Sports Info Solutions. He led Penn State in sacks (7.5) and tackles for loss (15) and also forced a fumble. 

Carter ranked fourth on the team in tackles (47), making eight of those for losses. He made 2.5 sacks and broke up four passes. Carter also made his first career interception against Illinois.

1st-Team Defense 🔒#B1Gtoday pic.twitter.com/Rj2j9Q7ep8

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 28, 2023

Dani Dennis-Sutton (third team) became the third Penn State defensive end to earn all-conference honors. Joining him on the third team were cornerbacks Johnny Dixon and Daequan Hardy. Defensive honorable mentions went to tackles Zane Durant and Dvon Ellies, linebackers Curtis Jacobs and Kobe King and safeties Jaylen Reed and KJ Winston Jr.

Penn State led the nation in total defense, giving up an average of 223.2 yards per game. That represents the best single-season for total defense since Alabama (183.6 ypg) in 2011. Penn State also led the nation in sacks (48) and fewest first downs allowed (151) while ranking second in pass defense (153.6 ypg), run defense (69.7 ypg) and turnovers gained (24). Penn State ranked third in scoring defense (11.4 ppg).

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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.