Adisa

Isaac

Rookie pass-rusher Adisa Isaac (hamstring) is listed as doubtful. Van Noy suffered a fractured orbital bone versus the Chiefs in Week 1. He was held out of practice on Wednesday and Thursday but returned for a limited session to close the week, giving him a shot at suiting up on Sunday. What at first sounded like a multi-week injury may now cost Van Noy no time at all. Even if he does miss Week 2, a Week 3 return would be a quick recovery from a serious injury.

Isaac (6’4/247) was a 2019 early enrollee who immediately played 132 highly productive reps as a true freshman, earning a 75th percentile PFF overall grade. He was primed for a feature defensive role in 2021, but tore his Achilles in the offseason, knocking him out until 2022. As is to be expected his first year post-injury saw his per snap production drop-off, but he managed to start all 13 games logging 505 reps with 36 pressures, 11.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks despite a disappointing 27% missed tackle rate. Isaac finally returned to his pre-injury self this year, leading the Big Ten with 16.0 TFL in addition to a team-leading 7.5 sacks and 4.5% havoc rate. His 2.33s time-to-first-pressure average is an exceptional time, while a 4.1% sack rate led all PSU defensive linemen. His 34.5” vert (81st%) and 10’03” broad jump (92nd%) verifies Isaac’s lower leg drive and 8.99 RAS, while his 33.875” length arms are usually found on offensive tackles. Isaac brings an urgent, hungry demeanor to his game which only enhances his above-average burst and flexibility around the loop. His long, probing arms help him to stack and shed in the run game while keeping blockers at bay on the rush. While he has a developed pass rush plan, Isaac could stand to add a little functional weight to help him stand up to NFL sized tackles to avoid getting knocked off his rush path.

Isaac (6'4"/251) was a high four-star prospect from the 2018 class who was rated as the fourth-best weakside defensive end in the country and 92nd overall recruit in the nation. The edge defender averaged 20 snaps per game in 2020 as a member of the PSU defensive line rotation, racking up 13 tackles and 1.5 sacks on the year. HC James Franklin said the offseason surgery will likely keep Isaac out for the entirety of the 2021 season. The Nittany Lions kickoff their season on September 4 at Camp Randall Stadium against Big Ten foe Wisconsin.

Isaac (6'5/210) hails from Brooklyn and feels a close connection to the Orange due to proximity. Among the other programs vying for his commitment, Michigan, Penn State, LSU and Texas A&M. Isaac ranks as Rivals’ No. 1 prospect in the state of New York.

Isaac had a final four of Penn State, Miami, Syracuse and Texas A&M, but it was always believed that the 6-foot-5, 210-pound lineman was down to the Nittany Liosn and Hurricanes. The Nittany Lions win, and it’s a big get for James Franklin and their staff. He ranks 71st among prospects on the 2019 247 Composite Rankings, and he’s viewed as a premium pass-rusher who has the strength to someday help as a run-stopper as well. Isaac will enroll in January, and getting into the strength and conditioning program early could see him contribute in some capacity in 2019.

Isaac (6'5/210) has had Syracuse on his mind for some time, now. The Brooklyn native was talking the Orange up last March. Both Syracuse and Miami paid him visits earlier this week, while Penn State and Texas A&M are expected to check in with him in the coming days. Isaac plans on signing with his future team at the start of the early window on Dec. 19. On the 247Sports composite board, he ranks as the No. 71 overall prospect in the 2019 class.