People will be excited to see Trey Sanders return from injury next season; however, Keilan Robinson is showing he is no slouch. The 5-foot-9, 184-pounder brings flashes of former Alabama running back, Kenyan Drake to a lot of fans. As a four-star from Washington, D.C., Robinson was underrated in the 2019 recruiting cycle yet he’s proving to be a solid player.
Nick Saban told reporters in week two of the year that Robinson has a special gear.
“He’s got a lot of juice,” Saban said of Robinson.
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During the matchup versus New Mexico State, he led the team in rushing with 80 yards on five carries – including a 74-yard explosion for a touchdown. He intentionally presses holes hard and then displays big acceleration in his cuts.
After not touching the ball much in five games, he resurfaced on senior day against Western Carolina at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Robinson led the team in rushing yards (92) on eight carries, with his longest run going for a 46-yard score.
KROB TO THE HOUSE! pic.twitter.com/KeeQ7Bp1wG
— Chicago Gump (@GriffinTSmith) November 23, 2019
He averaged 11.5 yards per carry and did not lose a yard.
Robinson helped pace a rushing attack that had 231 yards and four scores. With the Tide’s ability to successfully run the ball, Mac Jones was efficient at quarterback. The run game allowed him to complete 10 of 12 passes for 275 yards with three touchdowns.
As the Tide prepares to face an elite defensive front in Auburn, hopefully the young Robinson will get a chance to run wild.
During his four year career (2012-15), Drake made his mark with hitting holes quickly, being elusive in space and becoming dangerous as a receiver and return specialist. Robinson has the potential to match the skill set.
His output against the Catamounts is a new season-high for him.
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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.
