Just like it signed two quarterbacks in 2017, the University of Alabama also landed two running backs in the top-ranked class. While Crimson Tide fans have become infatuated with Tua Tagovailoa and Najee Harris, Mac Jones is continuing to grow in confidence and its other sophomore ball carrier is in position to possibly have a breakout year in the coming fall.
“He runs angry.”
This is what offensive linemen Bradley Bozeman and Ross Pierschbacher said of Brian Robinson in August of 2017 at the open practice. Both were impressed with his size, power, speed and patience as a freshman, and knew something was special about the Tuscaloosa native.
Alabama lost Bo Scarbrough to the National Football League; however, Robinson carries the same physical build and according to senior running back Damien Harris, the four-star prospect resembles the current Dallas Cowboy with his style.
“I don’t like to make comparisons, but he plays a lot like Bo did,” Harris said of Robinson last week at Southeastern Conference media days. “He’s very strong, very powerful, but very agile at the same time. He can do a lot of things out the backfield. He can pass protect. He can run between the tackles, there are so many things he can do. He so versatile and it’s exciting.”
A former product of Hillcrest High School, Robinson’s average of 10.2 yards per carry led all backs for the Tide in 2017. He turned in 165 yards with two touchdowns on 24 carries through 11 games, and collected his first score in conference play on the road against Vanderbilt.
Harris sees Scarbrough in the 221-pound sophomore, but a close source to Touchdown Alabama Magazine sees another former Tide star in the 6-foot-1 specimen.
“Robinson will remind people more of Glenn Coffee than Scarbrough,” the source said.
“He has something special for Alabama fans this season and due to him being patient and waiting his time, I think you are going to see a breakout player. Robinson has that dog in him and if you go back and watch the old clips of Coffee, that is what you are getting in Robinson.”
With fall camp starting next week, Robinson looks to continue building upon last season and sharpening his potential to impact the roster.
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 @CoachingMSmith.
