Interview: Illinois 2017 WR/SS Isaiah Robertson Earning Every Part of All Four Stars

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

It seems like every high school team has at least one guy, that one guy who can do just about anything and everything on the gridiron. Maybe that guy is a massive lineman blowing open holes on offense for the running back or a line mover on defense stopping the run and nailing the quarterback. That guy could be a sideline to sideline linebacker who also doubles as a running back making play after play. For Neuqua Valley High School, that guy is Isaiah Robertson.

Robertson had a strong sophomore season and then took the next step forward in his evolution as an emerging top Class of 2017 talent in 2015. Playing wide receiver and safety, Robertson was always around the ball scoring nine touchdowns for the season and picking off four passes earning Illinois All-State, All-Area, All-Conference, Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors, and a 4-star ranking.

The other thing Robertson has earned is the respect of his football elders. To date the 6’3”, 190 pound, two-way star has collected 14 scholarship offers and could be on the doorstep of another handful, if not more, before his senior season even begins. The offering teams include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Central Michigan, Penn State, Wisconsin, Vanderbilt, Toledo, Syracuse, Miami (OH), Maryland, and Cincinnati. The interested teams include Washington, Tennessee, Ohio State, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Michigan, and Miami.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Robertson to get his thoughts on his junior campaign, covered his offseason schedule, and got a recruiting news update.

Interview

Isaiah, you were a standout on both sides of the ball last year. Which position, wide receiver or safety, is your best?

“I started football playing defense when I was a kid. I like playing wide receiver but safety is more natural for me. It is more natural for me to fly around at safety and make plays but that does not necessarily mean safety is my best position. They are the same for me and both fun to play.”

What are your strengths on the field as a safety?

“Really it’s more about being able to sit back there and watch everything play out. I can see it coming out and react fast to either the run or the pass. I’m flying around having an eye for the ball and making plays.”

What about at wide receiver?

“Definitely my ability to get open, even when you are really not open. I’m able to locate the ball in one-on-one situations – the quarterback feels comfortable throwing it to me because he knows more times than not I will come down with it. I have good hand-eye coordination too.”

I looked online but could not find your season stats. Do you know your stats from 2015?

“No. The only thing that I know, I had nine touchdowns and four interceptions.”

Did you earn any individual honors at the end of last season?

“I got All-Conference, All-State, All-Area, and Co-Defensive Player of the Year.”

Who did you share the Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors with last year?

“Michigan State (2016) signee (defensive tackle) Mike Panasiuk (Lake Park). It was okay to share the honors with him, he was a monster last year. He was amazing.”

Neuqua Valley went 7-4 last season. How do the Wildcats look going into 2016?

“We look really strong right now. We have a battle at quarterback, but besides that we look really strong with returning guys everywhere. We are getting back to doing what we do. We are ready to start making plays and having a good time. It will be interesting this year.”

What are you working on in the offseason?

“I’m focusing – last year I came out at the end of the season with bruises and aches. Now I am working on building my body up and having a bigger frame so I am not as beat up at the end of the season. I’m working on strength and building my body.”

Do you have a weight gain goal?

“I’m trying to get around 205 to 210. Definitely around 205.”

A 210 pound safety roaming around out there. Don’t kill anyone.

(Laughs)

What drills are you working on to help with your speed and agility as a skill position player?

“I’m working on legs, squats, cleans. I’m really working on my upper body. I’m doing dumbbell press, that helps bulk up the top part of my body, military press, and doing push-ups and also eating right.”

What camps are you going to this offseason?

“I have not really thought about it. I’m planning my visits. There are camps that I will more than likely go to like Rivals but that’s about it.”

What visits are you planning?

“I’m visiting Notre Dame on April 2 and then I am going back up to Illinois. I was going there two weeks ago but with new coach (Lovie Smith) we are talking about a good time for me to come back. I think we are looking at April 19. Those are the only two visits I have locked down.”

Which schools have you visited unofficially?

“I’ve been to Michigan State, Notre Dame, Illinois, Ohio State, and Miami.”

How did the Notre Dame visit go?

“When I go to Notre Dame on April 2, it’ll be my third time visiting. When we were there for my second time, it was great. We didn’t talk about football and all that stuff. They talked about what Notre Dame offers away from the field. I needed to see the other things they can offer me with a good education. They showed me all of that. It was really important to me to learn more about their education and degree programs. I was very interested in all that they showed me.”

How did your Michigan State visit go?

“It was really nice. I really enjoyed my time there. There facilities were amazing. Michigan State was a lot like Notre Dame from the standpoint that they did not talk about football too much but talked more about education. They talked about how they deal with their players, where to get help for school, and numbers on their graduation classes. It was really interesting to learn more about a school like that. When you go visit a football program, they don’t normally show that to the recruits. Michigan State and Notre Dame expanded out on it.”

You have a lot of great offers and what looks like some great interest building with a few other schools. Do you have a timeline when you would like to verbally commit?

“I’ll make a decision by the end of the summer. I want to get this over with before my season so I can enjoy it. I’ll commit definitely by the end of the summer.”

Are you playing any spring sport?

“No. I’m focused on my grades, ACT, and football.”

When do you take the ACT?

“I take the ACT on April 16. I think that is the date.”

Do you know what you want to major in once in college?

“At first it was communications but coming after my visits MSU and Notre Dame that has introduced me to a bunch of other opportunities. That has kind of scrambled my mind. I have no idea right now what I want to major in yet.”

Last question. What is your favorite part of playing football?

“Being able to fly around and have fun out there. In life, you have to hold back sometimes. With football, it is natural for me. I feel free. It is a good feeling to compete and be with your friends.”

Isaiah, thanks for your time today. Good luck with your ACT and upcoming visits.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: suntimeshighschoolsports.com; No. 1 Isaiah Robertson scores a touchdown.

Photo credit: chicagotribune.com; No. 1 Isaiah Robertson reacts after scoring another touchdown.

Photo credit:  positivelynaperville.com; No. 1 Isaiah Robertson goes up against two defenders.