Texas running back Bijan Robinson is not your typical freshman.
His physical stature and maturity will have you questioning his age in the best way possible. Robinson was highly-touted as a recruit, eventually becoming a five-star prospect and the top overall running back in the 2020 recruiting class.
He still somehow surpassed expectations when he arrived on campus. According to Texas head coach Tom Herman, there’s not enough adjectives in the book to describe Robinson.
“He’s gonna play. No ifs about it. He’s put together like a guy that’s been in college for four years. Fast. Big. Soft hands. Unbelievable body control. He’s as good a kid as we have on the team and I mean that from the bottom of my heart,” Herman gushed to the media via a teleconference in August.
Robinson has the potential to make the biggest impact of any true freshman in college football this season. The Athletic recently listed him as one of the top 10 freshmen to watch.
Listed at No. 5 overall, Bruce Feldman of The Athletic expects Robinson to improve Texas’ rushing attack.
“Another Arizona native poised to make a huge impact in college football this fall, Robinson was a huge get for Texas. The Longhorns’ average rushing rank the past two seasons is No. 70 in the FBS. That figures to shoot up quite a bit with an improved offensive line and with the 6-0, 222-pound Robinson in town. Coaches say he’s one of the most impressive 18-year-olds they’ve been around — a humble, conscientious player who also may have the best hands on the team. Expect him to get a lot of catches and carries in 2020. A few other rookies to remember in Austin: defensive linemen Vernon Broughton and Alfred Collins and offensive lineman Jake Majors.”
Robinson is expected to split carries with Roschon Johnson and Keaontay Ingram. However, it’s apparent that Herman is comfortable going with the hot-hand approach. If he can impress early, Robinson has a realistic chance to surpass both running backs on the depth chart by the end of the season.