2020 NFL DRAFT: Former West Virginia safety Kenny Robinson Jr. selected by the Carolina Panthers in fifth round

For the second consecutive year, the Carolina Panthers have reached into the Mountain State to fill a position of need in the NFL Draft. Following in former teammate Will Grier’s footsteps, former West Virginia safety Kenny Robinson will continue his career as a Panther, after being selected with the No. 152 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Robinson played two seasons at West Virginia, before leaving the university and heading to the XFL. Robinson detailed the circumstances behind his departure from the Mountaineer program in a letter to NFL GM’s last week that was published in The Player’s Tribune.

Robinson played in 25 games as a Mountaineer, starting in 20. As a true freshman, Robinson led the West Virginia defense with three interceptions and finished 2017 as an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention. In 2018, Robinson finished the season tied for No. 2 in the Big 12 in total interceptions (4), and recorded 77 total tackles and 52 solo stops on his way to being named to the All-Big 12 First Team.

Through five games in the XFL, Robinson recorded 21 total tackles (15 solo), 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack and 2 interceptions.

The Panthers’ selection extends West Virginia’s streak of having at least one player drafted into the NFL to 12 years, dating back to the 2008 selections of Steve Slaton, Owen Schmitt and Ryan Mundy.