Getting Cam Robinson in the second round to shore off its offensive line appeared to be a smart investment for the Jacksonville Jaguars, especially after Sunday’s 30-9 win over Pittsburgh.
Despite quarterback Blake Bortles being inconsistent, the former University of Alabama offensive tackle cleared the way for a productive rushing attack versus the Steelers.
Robinson assisted the Jaguars to 231 rushing yards with two scores – including a monster performance from ex-LSU standout Leonard Fournette, who was selected in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft. Behind a fellow Louisiana native, Fournette turned in 181 yards rushing with two touchdowns on 28 carries. While averaging 6.2 yards per attempt, Robinson was at left tackle when Fournette exploded for a 90-yard burst to the end zone in the fourth quarter.
With his display in run blocking, Robinson helped Jacksonville improve to 3-2 on the season – making it the leader of the AFC South. Before getting drafted, the 6-foot-6 specimen was a five-star lineman upon signing with the Crimson Tide in its 2014 recruiting class.
He blocked for two 1,000-yard rushers (Derrick Henry, Damien Harris), a 2,000-yard back (Derrick Henry) and a pair of 3,000-yard passers in Blake Sims (2014) and Jacob Coker (2015).
As a junior in 2016, Robinson guided Jalen Hurts to 2,780 passing yards, 954 rushing yards and 36 total scores (school record) during his freshman season; en route to him earning the Southeastern Conference’s Offensive Player of the Year. After his efforts that year, Robinson was awarded the Outland Trophy, SEC’s Jacobs Blocking Trophy and first team All-SEC honors.
He was a three-time conference champion and a national championship in the 2015 College Football Playoff, but now Robinson looks to get Jacksonville back into the limelight.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
