Last week, Brian Robinson remembered why he chose the University of Alabama in 2017.
As a Tuscaloosa native, he saw all the legends that were impactful. He watched Shaun Alexander, Shaud Williams, Ray Hudson, Kenneth Darby, Glen Coffee, Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, Eddie Lacy, T.J. Yeldon, Kenyan Drake, and Derrick Henry dominate college football. Robinson wanted a chance to be part of “Running Back U,” and the homegrown talent signed his national letter of intent via Hillcrest High School. It is not an easy lesson, but patience gets Nick Saban’s attention.
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He arrived as a four-star prospect; however, Robinson waited behind Najee Harris, Josh Jacobs, Damien Harris, and Bo Scarbrough for his opportunity. The transfer portal could have been an option, but he never took it. He appreciated the role he earned each season.
Robinson’s production grew from his freshman year to the 2020 campaign. He dreamed of becoming the primary back for the Crimson Tide, and it is now happening. His joyful moment came in a 42-21 rout of Ole Miss.
Robinson posted a Henry-like stat line.
The fifth-year senior had a career-high 171 yards rushing and four touchdowns on 36 carries. He recorded his first 100-yard rushing performance, including 12 attempts that went for first downs or scores. The 6-foot-1, 225-pounder gashed Mississippi’s defensive front.
He dragged tacklers, produced several runs of 10+ yards, and helped the Crimson Tide have 14 more offensive plays (77 to 63) than the Rebels. Robinson paced three of Alabama’s six touchdown drives that lasted 14, 10, and nine plays.
Coach Nick Saban was proud of his efforts, and the power back said the moment felt like “old school Alabama football.”
Several NFL teams were at Bryant-Denny Stadium, and they noticed him.
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Robinson also earned his first national award. He won Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week.
On Sunday, the Walter Camp Football Foundation announced the news. Since 2004, Robinson is the 17th Alabama player to win Walter Camp National Player of the Week honors. Tide fans love when good things happen to patient players.
Robinson made good of his opportunity.
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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.
