The Oklahoma Sooners have a predicament ahead of them. If Xavier Robinson takes a snap against Alabama or LSU, he’ll lose his redshirt year in 2024.
He played a couple of snaps against Texas and Ole Miss and then got more opportunities against Maine and this last week against Missouri. Against the Tigers the Carl Albert High School product led the Sooners in rushing, carrying the ball nine times for 56 yards and had one reception for seven yards.
Robinson has emerged as a productive player for the Sooners over the last few weeks. His work allowed the Sooners to tie the game at 16 in the fourth quarter as the Oklahoma offense rode the true freshman running back.
He has a bright future ahead of him for the Sooners and could be an integral part of the running back rotation next year, competing for the opportunity to start.
On the season, he has 15 carries for 85 yards and a touchdown. He’s’ averaging 5.7 yards per carry. Robinson has also shown his prowess as a pass catcher with four receptions for 65 yards.
He’s a part of a running game that has been the best part of the offense over the last four weeks. With a pair of tough matchups ahead, the Sooners will need to ride their running game. But using Robinson in either of those two games will take his redshirt off the table. Is it worth it?
The Oklahoma Sooners have a difficult decision ahead of them. The Sooners have expressed interest in redshirting a number of individuals but injuries have forced them into action. A lot will depend on the availability of Jovantae Barnes who sat out last week’s game against Missouri. If Barnes is back to 100% after suffering an ankle injury against Maine, then the Sooners might be able to afford not playing Robinson.
But as the Sooners look to finish the season on a high note against Alabama and LSU, the offense could use all the help it can get.
Robinson will help this team in the long run. Keeping his eligibility for the future intact may be more important to the Sooners’ future success than any win they could get this season.
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