Tag: James Robinson

Rookie Rundown: RB James Robinson, Illinois State

James Robinson continued to improve at the collegiate level and now enters the NFL fray with upside galore.

(Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports)

Illinois State running back James Robinson brings a quiet, steady back to the NFL mix with versatility traits that are bound to get him on a team’s roster before all is said and done.

The Redbirds star entered the program in 2016 as the state’s all-time leading high school rusher with a shade over 9,000 yards, and Robinson ranked fourth in the nation for prep rushing scores at 158 when he graduated high school. After being used sparingly in his first two seasons at Illinois State, Robinson was given an opportunity to shine in 2017, and he never looked back.

Height: 5-foot-9
Weight: 219 pounds
40 time: 4.64 seconds

After leading the school in rushing as a sophomore, Robinson earned All-Missouri Valley Conference honors as a first-team selection. He’d go on to become a finalist for the Walter Payton Award in 2018, also adding third-team All-American recognition to his second straight all-conference selection. His senior year concluded with honors for being all-conference yet again, and this time Robinson was voted to the first-team All-American squad.

Table: RB James Robinson NCAA stats (2016-19)

Year
Team
Att
Yds
Avg
TD
Long
Rec
Yds
Avg
TD
2016
ILST
63
 322
5.1
 2
—
12
109
9.1
 1
2017
ILST
165
933
5.6
12
—
9
75
8.3
 0
2018
ILST
205
1,290
6.3
12
57
21
164
7.8
1
2019
ILST
364
1,918
5.2
18
77
16
80
5.0
0

Despite such an impressive resume and climb to national prominence in 2019, Robinson isn’t bound to be one of the first running backs chosen in the NFL draft. In fact, he may not hear his name called until late on Day 3, but there’s some potential for going as early as the late third round.

Pros

  • Dynamic ability to find lanes and make the necessary moves to get there
  • Excellent vision and feel for a play’s development — anticipatory senses are NFL caliber
  • Extremely productive three straight seasons and has three-down traits
  • Quality blend of burst, elusiveness, jump-cut ability and enough power
  • Known for his work ethic and reliability as a teammate
  • Patience is among the first things that jump off the screen, especially when he’s waiting for blockers to find their target
  • Capable receiver despite not being utilized much in this area
  • Played in a mixed offensive system that included elements of pro-style football
  • Among the better incoming backs at blitz pickup
  • Plays faster in the open field than he times

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Cons

  • Ran through holes the size of Texas in college — will he have the quickness to hit the gaps in the NFL before they close?
  • Lacks breakaway speed in shorts
  • Considerable mileage with more than 600 touches in the last two years
  • Needs to address his tendency to bounce a play outside, which is a common issue and can be corrected via coaching
  • Limited skill set and athleticism that could expose him at times in the NFL

Fantasy football outlook

Robinson’s talents and determination will get him on the field in 2020, although how much is anyone’s guess. His landing spot wide open at this time, and the supporting cast will make a huge difference in what kind of workload one can expect from him.

The vast majority of scenarios put Robinson in a rotation or even riding the pine and hoping for a shot. For now, he’s roster depth fantasy football versions, but consider his value to be quite fluid given the significant range in teams that could pursue Robinson.

Giants select Isaiah Simmons in latest The Sporting News mock

The New York Giants select Clemson hybrid Isaiah Simmons and then address multiple needs in the latest The Sporting News mock draft.

In the latest NFL mock draft released by The Sporting News’ Vinny Iyer, the New York Giants attempt to fill some holes up and down their roster beginning on the defensive side of the football.

Here’s how they see the Giants’ 10 picks playing out (with my commentary below each pick):

Round 1, Pick 4: Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson

No question Simmons is an intriguing pick, but with four potential franchise left tackles on the board and the Giants looking at another year of Nate Solder there, it’s hard to see them not addressing left tackle. Simmons will be hard to pass on, though.

Round 2, Pick 36: Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota

Safety is a huge need for the Giants. Last year, the 35-year-old Antoine Bethea led the team in tackles. He’s gone and they need a young stud to step in to partner with Jabrill Peppers.

Round 3, Pick 99: Ben Bartch, OT, St. John’s Minnesota

Bartch is an interesting prospect, but he’s from a small program and might take time to get up to speed to play in the NFL. Still, he could be a steal in the third round. Boom or bust pick.

Round 4, Pick 110: Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan

I haven’t mocked him to the Giants, but I can see why they would like him. He’s big (6’2″, 214), fast (4.48 40) and smart (3.9 GPA). Seems like an ascending player who could become a solid pro wideout.

Round 5, Pick 150: Jason Strowbridge, EDGE, North Carolina

Another player we haven’t seen linked to the Giants. The 6-foot-4, 275 pounder can set the edge, stop the run and has shown he can play on teams with four blokes kicks.

Round 6, Pick 183: James Robinson, RB, Illinois State

Very reliable and productive. He’s compact (5’9″, 220) and isn’t a burner, but is versatile in both the rushing and passing games.

Round 7, Pick 218: Steven Sullivan, TE, LSU

The seventh round is always a crapshoot and Sullivan can likely be signed as a UDFA after the draft. He’s not developed enough at the moment to crack the Giants’ TE room.

Round 7, Pick 238: Carter Coughlin, EDGE, Minnesota

The Coughlin name (no relation to the former Giants’ coach) piques the interest. He equates more as an outside linebacker and special teamer in the NFL than a knuckle-in-the-dirt edge rusher.

Round 7, Pick 247: Trajan Bandy, CB, Miami

Small (5’8″, 180) and quick (4.5 40) who would be used as slot corner and special teamer.

Round 7, Pick 255: Trystan Colon-Castillo, G, Missouri

Colon-Castillo could likely be signed after the draft. He would be in the mix for a roster spot at center, but most likely would be a candidate for the practice squad.

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Lions 2020 NFL Draft: A running back for (almost) every round

Lions 2020 NFL Draft: A running back for (almost) every round for the Detroit Lions to consider

Running back is an interesting position of need for the Detroit Lions. With Kerryon Johnson, Bo Scarbrough and Ty Johnson all returning from the team’s most successful rushing attack since 2013, there are pieces in place for building on the relative success.

Adding another rusher to the committee makes sense for GM Bob Quinn and the Lions. Kerryon Johnson has serious durability concerns, and both Scarbrough and Ty Johnson have more role-specific skills than all-purpose ability in the NFL.

Here is one RB for each round, with one notable exception, for the Lions to consider in the 2020 NFL Draft.

First round

None. Zilch. Nada. There is not a running back worthy of consideration for the Lions in the first round, not even a trade up to No. 32. Drafting a running back in the first round is wasteful, which is why most mock drafts these days don’t project a single RB to go to any team in the first round. There simply is not perceived value in taking one so high in the NFL anymore.

As a consequence of the widely-held belief, the top running backs all get pushed down and make the second and third rounds richer at RB.

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5 small-school targets Chargers should consider in 2020 NFL Draft

The Los Angeles Chargers might be interested in a small-school player as early as Round 2.

If the Chargers want to hit a home run in the 2020 NFL Draft, they are going to have to consider all options when choosing who will make their draft board.

Every year a prospect from a small school becomes an NFL star in the making. Whether it’s the early rounds or undrafted free agency pool, there’s plenty of players who always fly under the radar.

With that, we are going to take a look at five small school standouts who Los Angeles should consider later this month based on positional need.

Ben Bartch, St. Johns, OT

The Chargers need more help along the offensive line and Bartch is the one prospect that should be at the top of their board come Day 2. After a successful collegiate career for the Johnnies, Bartch put on a show against some of the top pass-rushers in the country at the Reese’s Senior Bowl. From his tape and his outing in Mobile, AL, Bartch showed everything that you could ask for in an NFL offensive lineman: Footwork, athleticism, play awareness, great hands, ability to anchor and strength at the point of attack. Bartch, the former tight end, played strictly left tackle during his time at St. John’s. He’s more than capable of competing for the starting left tackle spot, but he could slide inside to guard, too. Look for Bartch to finish in a similar situation as Buccaneers guard Ali Marpet — another former small-school standout, who went on to become drafted in the second round.

Cameron Clark, Charlotte, OL

Clark, Charlotte’s former team captain and two-time All-Conference-USA member, went on to set to a school record with 48 games played. Clark is an aggressive player in the run blocking department and a smooth mover out in space, playing with the mindset of taking the game to his opponents. He has good athletic traits and solid movement skills in pass protection to keep defenders at bay.  Like Bartch, Clark can play tackle or kick inside to guard at the next level. Given the new zone scheme the Chargers are expected to incorporate this upcoming season, Clark’s skillset would be perfect for offensive line coach James Campen to mold into a potential NFL starter.

James Robinson, Illinois State, RB

The Rockford native played in 46 games for the Redbirds, starting 39 of them. After finishing his All-American season in 2019 where he rushed for 1,917 yards, Robinson raised eyebrows of NFL evaluators at the Shrine Bowl, finishing with 137 yards from scrimmage, including a 63-yard touchdown run. The 5-foot-9 and 219 pound back isn’t a burner, but he has a powerful running style to break tackles where he would be able to pick up yards on first and second-down situations, as well as the strength to pick up defenders on third-down in pass protection. Given his bruising style of play, he would be the ideal compliment to Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson.

Dante Olson, Montana, LB

The Chargers will be looking to add more depth at the linebacker position, but also more special teamers after losing Derek Watt and Nick Dzubnar. Olson, the first-team All-Big Sky selection, led the FBS and FCS in tackles (179) for the second straight season. He raised some eyebrows at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine with a whopping 42-inch vertical. Olson is a smart, assignment sound defender in the run game and in coverage with NFL-level intangibles. While he may not start Day 1, he is capable of being a quality backup and special teams ace in his rookie season.

Aaron Parker, Rhode Island, WR

The Chargers need more depth at the wide receiver position to compliment Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Parker caught 30 touchdown in his career, and he led all Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) receivers in receptions and yards in 2019 when he was a team captain for Rhode Island, earning All-CAA honors at the end of the season. Parker has a rangy frame with above average speed, showing the ability to track, adjust and play above the rim. He needs to refine his route running at the next level, but he has the makings of a WR3/WR4.

Small-school running back could intrigue Chargers in 2020 NFL Draft

Remember this name in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The future of running back Melvin Gordon, who is set to become a free agent, remains to be seen. While Gordon has indicated that he would like to be back, it appears that general manager Tom Telesco is going to let him test the market.

If Gordon isn’t back with the Chargers, that leaves Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson making up the backfield. Both showed to make a solid tandem while the former Wisconsin product was absent due to his holdout at the beginning of the 2019 season.

Even though Los Angeles can roll into the 2020 season with those two, it’s more than likely that they will look to shore up the final spot, especially if they choose to not re-sign Troymaine Pope, as well.

Rather than throwing a lot of money at a free agent, L.A. could solidify the position in a way that they have been successful – drafting one late (Jackson) or signing an undrafted free agent (Ekeler).

If the Chargers were to go this route, former Illinois State’s James Robinson has the makings to contribute.

After finishing his All-American season in 2019 where he rushed for 1,917 yards, Robinson raised eyebrows of NFL evaluators at the Shrine Bowl, finishing with 137 yards from scrimmage, including a 63-yard touchdown run.

Robinson was then invited to the 2020 NFL Combine. Coming in at 5-foot-9 and 219 pounds, had a solid showing where he finished with great agility and explosiveness when it came to the testing portion.

Robinson finished with 24 reps on the bench press, which tied for the third-most among running backs, a 40-inch vertical, which was the second, a 7.03 3-cone, which was fifth and a 4.19 20-yard shuttle, which was third.

The Rockford native played in 46 games for the Redbirds, starting 39 of them. Robinson isn’t a burner, but has a powerful running style to break tackles where he would be able to pick up yards on first and second-down situations, as well as the strength to pick up defenders on third-down.

Robinson, who is looking to become the first Illinois State player to be drafted since 2007, could garner the attention of the Chargers on Day 3 of the 2020 NFL Draft, addressing a need and getting solid value out of it.

5 standouts in East-West Shrine Game

The East won 31-27 and the story was how the running backs looked.

The East-West Shrine game featuring many NFL prospects was played on Saturday in Florida. The East beat the West 31-27 in a higher-scoring game than in years past.

Who were the players to stand out in the game?

Charlotte RB Bennie LeMay

Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

The Charlotte RB was the game’s offensive MVP with 16 carries for 80 yards and two touchdowns.

He had 1,072 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in 2019, along with 242 receiving yards and four more scores.

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Recruiting Player Profile: James Robinson

Recruiting Player Profile: James Robinson

KNOXVILLE – As Tennessee football brings in new talent during the Early Signing Period, Vols Wire is releasing player profiles on each individual that signs with UT.

Find out recruiting ratings, key skills, stats and which other programs had offers on the table for each Tennessee signee.

It’s no secret that a high-priority mission of Jeremy Pruitt and his staff upon taking the Tennessee job was to add beef to both sides of the trenches. Now, as the Vols work on Pruitt’s third recruiting class at Tennessee, that mission continues with the addition of James Robinson.

As a signee on Wednesday morning, Robinson will bring his 6-foot-4, 323-pound frame into Knoxville out of Montgomery, Ala. As a three-star prospect, and the No. 44 offensive guard in the country per the 247 Sports Composite, Robinson did not have a litany of Power 5 offers.

The Carver High School product’s only other SEC offer came from Auburn, but Pruitt and offensive line coach Will Friend were attracted by Robinson’s finishing ability and versatility as he played right tackle in high school as well.

Stay tuned to Vols Wire for more player profiles on each Tennessee signee during the Early Signing Period.

James Robinson signs with Tennessee

James Robinson signs with Tennessee.

2020 University of Tennessee football recruiting
2019 Early Signing Period — Dec. 18-20
National Signing Day — Feb. 5

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KNOXVILLE — The 2019 Early Signing Period for football is underway. Tennessee is in the process of completing its 2020 football recruiting class.

Below is the Vols’ latest signee for the 2020 recruiting class.

James Robinson

Carver High School (Montgomery, AL)

Offensive lineman — 6-foot-4, 320-pounds

Committed on August 1, 2019

Signed on December 18, 2019

2020 recruiting class signing dates

The 2019 Early Signing Period will take place Dec. 18-20 and National Signing Day will be held on Feb. 5.

The Vols’ 2020 commitment tracker can be followed below.

The University of Tennessee Volunteer’s 2020 football recruiting class tracker

UPDATE: UT commit James Robinson changes signing date

2020 Tennessee football recruiting.

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MONTGOMERY — Tennessee commit James Robinson announced Dec. 4 that he will sign with the Vols on Dec. 18 — the first day of the 2019 Early Signing Period.

Robinson has since changed the date of when he will sign with the Vols. The 2020 product announced Saturday that he will sign with Tennessee on Dec. 20.

Robinson is an offensive lineman from Carver High School in Montgomery, Ala. The 2020 prospect committed to Tennessee on August 1.

The Vols offered Robinson March 9 when he visited Tennessee. Robinson officially visited Tennessee on June 14 and attended a camp at UT June 8.

2020 recruiting class signing dates

The 2019 Early Signing Period will take place Dec. 18-20 and National Signing Day will be held on Feb. 5.

The Vols’ 2020 commitment tracker can be followed below.

University of Tennessee’s 2020 football recruiting class tracker

Jeremy Pruitt, Derrick Ansley, Jim Chaney, Will Friend visit UT commit James Robinson

2020 Tennessee football recruiting.

MONTGOMERY – Tennessee’s coaching staff visited UT 2020 commit James Robinson on Friday.

Robinson is an offensive lineman from Carver High School in Montgomery, Ala. The 2020 prospect committed to Tennessee on August 1.

The Vols offered Robinson March 9 when he visited Tennessee. Robinson officially visited Tennessee on June 14 and attended a camp at UT June 8.

2020 recruiting class signing dates

The 2019 Early Signing Period will take place Dec. 18-20 and National Signing Day will be held on Feb. 5.

The Vols’ 2020 commitment tracker can be followed below.

University of Tennessee’s 2020 football recruiting class tracker