Could UGA possibly add to its tradition of dynamic running backs with a 4-star running back from ‘Bama’s backyard? The answer is yes.
That was the case when Tuscaloosa, Ala. junior Brian Robinson started getting big SEC offers in September. UGA assistant Kevin Sherrer visited Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa High School and offered. Alabama and Auburn stopped by earlier that day. Auburn and South Carolina also offered the same day UGA did.
“His eyes went wide when he found out he had the Georgia offer,” Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa coach Sam Adams said.
Robinson said it was because he was shocked.
“When I heard that I was like I could graduate and play for the University of Georgia,” Robinson said. “I watched Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall and Nick Chubb and those great backs and here’s an opportunity for me to come behind them and follow in their steps.”
Alabama offered the next day in person on an unofficial visit at the Middle Tennessee State game. Robinson said that he’s also considering Alabama, Auburn, Florida, LSU and Tennessee and didn’t name any leaders.
The Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa standout also knows a little more UGA history.
“UGA’s running backs have been dynamic since when Knowshon Moreno was there,” Robinson said. “That’s when I started watching Georgia and their running backs. Georgia will be a school I will consider a long way down the line.”
The 6-foot-1, 215-pounder made waves after he gashed the defending state champions in Alabama’s second-largest classification for 447 rushing yards. He did that on 29 carries and scored five touchdowns, including a receiving touchdown
“Wherever he wants to go, I think they will welcome him with open arms,” Adams said. “It is not a thing because he is from Tuscaloosa, Alabama that he’s a shoo-in to play for Alabama.”
Robinson is rated as the nation’s No 18 RB for 2017. Alabama already has commitments from both the No. 1 and No. 5 backs in his signing class.
Adams said former Auburn running back Ronnie Brown would be a good comparison. His big-time junior has some shake to him, but he’s just as likely to plow through a tackler as he is to make them miss.
“He’s still 16 years so you can imagine that down the road he’s going to be a 230-pound back by the time all is said and done,” Adams said.
Jeff Sentell covers UGA recruiting for AJC.com and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Follow him on Twitter for the latest on who’s on their way to play Between the Hedges.
