Brian Robinson is a rare athlete in today’s college football.
He is a throwback player at his position, delivering a pounding running style.
RELATED: Freshman WR Ja’Corey Brooks has emerged as a weapon for Alabama in College Football Playoff
Robinson gets stronger after first contact and pummels defenders into the ground. As a young man, he carries the patience of Job. We are in a society that promotes taking the easy way out. People now look at others differently when they want to wait things out. The NCAA transfer portal offers instant gratification, but Robinson is a product of old-school values, and it shows.
As a native of Tuscaloosa, Ala., he waited behind Damien Harris, Bo Scarbrough, Josh Jacobs, and Najee Harris to start at running back for his hometown school. His numbers improved each season after his freshman year in 2017, but some did not see Robinson as the featured back for the Tide. He got his chance in 2021 and has made the most of it. The 6-foot-1, 225-pounder totals five 100-yard rushing performances, including his latest one versus Cincinnati.
Nick Saban put the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Robinson, and the fifth-year senior pounded the Bearcats.
He rushed for a career-high 204 yards on 26 carries in a 27-6 victory for Alabama.
Robinson averaged 7.8 yards per rush attempt as Cincinnati’s defensive front could not contain him. Robinson’s performance included the most yards by any Crimson Tide rusher in a bowl game.
RELATED: Georgia defender proclaims it’s the Bulldogs year to win CFP national title
He posted 1,269 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns for the season.
Rapper Plies gave Robinson props for staying the course at Alabama. Robert Gillespie, the Crimson Tide’s running backs’ coach, echoed Plies’ words.
🗣🗣 Brain Robinson (Alabama RB) Waited 5yrs For His Time To Shine. He Ain’t Run, Hide, Pout Or Call His Momma. He Just Kept Working!!!
— Plies (@plies) January 1, 2022
Trusted the process! #RollTide https://t.co/OzOl3PdLe5
— Robert Gillespie (@BAMACoachG) January 1, 2022
Robinson has given his all to Alabama football, and its fans are grateful for him.
He vowed on ESPN that the Tide will repeat as national champions. Robinson is going after his third national title.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
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.
