Is Young Penn State DE ‘Chop 2.0’? Deion Barnes Weighs In

More than two months later, his position coach weighed in on that comparison.

Deion Barnes has already coached his share of defensive ends— Robinson among them— in less than two seasons as Penn State’s DL coach.

Could Granville be the next one?

DEION’S TAKE

CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 16: Penn State Nittany Lions Defensive Line Coach Deion Barneslooks on as players warm up for the college football game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Illinois Fighting Illini on September 16, 2023, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire)

Like most true freshman, Granville hasn’t received a lot of playing time.

But he’s made the most of his reps.

Against Kent State Week 3, Granville played 13 snaps per Pro Football Focus and in those snaps for two QB pressures, a hit and a hurry.

For Barnes, the 6-foot-3, 229-pounder plays with an edge.

“What impresses me is just coming out here, being reckless,” Barnes told reporters via Zoom Thursday. “It’s a violent game. He’s comes out and plays as violent as he possibly can. He plays fast, comes off the ball quickly. Using his assets to the best of his ability and then, he’s also smart enough to pick up the playbook during his first year.”

“I think he comes with a great mindset as far as ‘I’m going to control what I can control. And that’s what he’s been doing.”

ANOTHER CHOP?

Chop Robinson gets set to rush the passer.

So is Granville similar to the current Miami Dolphin?

Barnes sees why people would say that.

“You can see the similarities as far as the burst off the ball, the size,” he said. “They look the same as far as like their build and everything. It’s a lot to live up too, but I feel like Max, he has the ceiling for that. I mean, they have similar ways that they play football, so I definitely can see that.

Barnes didn’t want to put those expectations on Granville but feels Granville has star potential.

“I think Max, he’s taking things day by day, trying to do the best he can trying to control what he can control. I mean, he has that ability, so I can see what Dani’s talking about.”

“As long as he’s progressing, doing what he’s supposed to do, doing what he’s been doing, he’s been doing a good job. I mean, he has a bright future, so I can see exactly why Dani would say that.”

The Penn State DE room is currently loaded with veterans like Dennis-Sutton, Abdul Carter and Amin Vanover. But with all three of those guys potentially gone after this season, Granville could have to take center stage soon.

Barnes expects him to be up to the task.

So I think he’s doing all the things to prepare himself for when his time comes, he’s going t0 be ready.