Alabama returns two leaders to its offensive line next season, Ryan Kelly and Cam Robinson. Kelly, a senior, enters his fifth year in the system (three-year starter at center). Robinson is coming off a stellar freshman campaign, in which he earned All-American honors from Sporting News and Football Writers of America Association in 2014.
Robinson started all 14 games at left tackle last season, becoming the first true freshman to do so since Andre Smith (2006). He led an offensive line that allowed 16 sacks (1.14 per game) in 2014, good for second in the Southeastern Conference and 14th nationally. Robinson dominated opponents on the left side, surrendering three sacks in 861 snaps.
He helped Alabama’s offense achieve balance. It accounted for 484.5 yards per game, good for third in the SEC and 17th nationally. Robinson guided the Crimson Tide’s running backs to seven 100-yard rushing performances. Former Alabama running back T.J. Yeldon recorded 979 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2014. Junior Derrick Henry collected 990 yards with 11 scores last season.
He’s missed a few spring practices (ankle), but Robinson has an opportunity to contend for more individual awards and a national championship in 2015. Responsibility comes with having talent. Alabama’s head coach Nick Saban doesn’t want Robinson to get complacent.
“He’s got to show maturity and not be satisfied with where he is,” Saban said after Wednesday’s practice. Saban said the team is trying to get Robinson to play at his full potential.
Robinson isn’t concerned about personal goals. He voiced in Wednesday’s press conference that he is team minded. He said he wants to win another national title.
“My main goal is to get us [Alabama] back on top of college football,” Robinson said.
Robinson, a Louisiana native, was a unanimous five-star prospect when he came to Alabama in 2014. The 6-foot-6, 326-pound sophomore was a member of Alabama’s 2014 SEC Championship team, but Robinson has his eyes on the crystal. He looks to get it done next season.
