Despite being indefinitely suspended for an off-field issue that happened on May 17, Alabama offensive tackle Cameron Robinson was one of 70 linemen named to the Outland Trophy watch list.
The Outland Trophy, which is presented by the Football Writers Association of America, has been awarded since 1946 and is given to college football’s best interior lineman. Interior linemen consists of centers, guards (offense) and defensive tackles; however, big men on the edge aren’t ruled out.
Robinson, a two-year starter and 2015 first team All-SEC selection, has surrendered 5.5 sacks in 29 career games. He blocked for 206.6 rushing yards in 2014, while guiding Derrick Henry to 2,219 yards rushing and 28 touchdowns on 395 carries last season. Robinson set the edge for four 200-yard outings from Henry, and helped two quarterbacks toss for 3,000 passing yards (Blake Sims, Jake Coker). The 6-foot-6, 326-pound road grader earned Freshman All-American honors from the FWAA and Sporting News, after allowing just three sacks in 861 snaps during the 2014 season.
Robinson has an opportunity to join Chris Samuels (1999), Andre Smith (2008) and Barrett Jones (2011) as the fourth Crimson Tide offensive lineman to win the Outland Trophy.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
