As talented as Najee Harris is and as game-changing as Trey Sanders can be, Alabama has another running back who is itching to show fans everything he do too.
A native of Tuscaloosa, Ala., Brian Robinson Jr. now enters his senior year at the University of Alabama.
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Once a four-star prospect in the 2017 signing class, he was a superstar at Hillcrest High School — leading the Patriots to the Class 6A state semifinal round of the playoffs as a junior and senior. He chose the Crimson Tide over Georgia, Auburn and Ole Miss and has seen his numbers improve in each of the last three years.
The 6-foot-1, 228-pounder totaled 441 yards rushing with five touchdowns on 96 carries in 2019.
He also proved to Steve Sarkisian that he can be an asset out the backfield, grabbing 11 passes for 124 yards. Robinson recorded a first down or a touchdown on 31 of his carries, while five of his receptions resulted in first downs. He has been improving his speed with Dr. Matt Rhea and like Harris, Robinson knows this campaign is important for earning good NFL Draft value.
One team who has shown interest in Robinson is the Las Vegas Raiders.
According to a post from Coach Sam Adams, Robinson’s high school coach at Hillcrest, an evaluation letter from the franchise was in his office.
At the top of the letter it reads: “In professional football today, high school history and information is an important factor in the selection of future NFL players. For this reason, the Las Vegas Raiders would greatly appreciate your help in obtaining information on the prospect listed below by completing this questionnaire and returning it in the envelope provided.”
“Coach, why do you make such a big deal about being on time?” pic.twitter.com/cq97fPdoIE
— Sam Adams (@CoachSamAdams) September 11, 2020
Robinson was a model student and student-athlete at Hillcrest.
He has represented the same qualities for the Crimson Tide. With Sarkisian wanting to rotate the backs, Robinson should receive plenty of opportunities to craft out a draft stock.
After taking Josh Jacobs in the first round of the 2019 venue and selecting Henry Ruggs III at No. 12 overall in April, one could only imagine the excitement if the Raiders got Robinson too.
He would bring that tough, physical style that Jon Gruden loves.
Robinson must produce this season, but getting evaluated by the Raiders is good news.
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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.
