The Carolina Panthers’ most recent vacancy was hardly vacant at all.
On Tuesday morning, the team officially placed 28-year-old running back Rashaad Penny on the reserve/retired list. In the same breath, their announcement of the move also included news on the player who will take up the void—rookie wide receiver Tayvion Robinson.
Robinson, who has been signed in Penny’s place, cracked into the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens this past spring. Prior to landing in the pros, the Virginia Beach, Va. native split his five collegiate seasons between Virginia Tech (2019 to 2021) and the University of Kentucky (2022 to 2023).
As a Hokie, Robinson amassed 113 receptions for 1,555 yards and nine touchdowns. In his two years as a Wildcat, he reeled in 81 passes for 1,049 yards and seven scores.
The 5-foot-10, 187-pounder also has a bit of experience as a returner on special teams. He returned a total of 67 punts in college at an average 9.5 per attempt.
