Interview: 4-Star 2023 ATH Antonio Robinson Picking Up on Burning Florida Opposition
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2019 season for Antonio Robinson was amazing in more ways than one. The freshman quickly rose to being a leading playmaker for Florida Christian ultimately being counted upon in all three phases of the game. The result was four-star recruiting status and all that potential being tapped into during his sophomore campaign.
The stat line does not offer the reader full perspective to the dynamic ways of Robinson’s freshman run. Playing corner, he racked up 33 tackles, 12 solo, with a tackle for a loss and two picks. He actually took away five, but penalties reduced his interception total down to two. On offense, the 5-10, 160-pound, talent toted the rock 59 times for 427 yards with four scores and completed 24 passes for 344 yards with four touchdowns tossed. On special teams he took back three punts for 40 and two kicks for 12 in stats posted in their 7-3 season.
The Patriots have started 2020 on the good foot running to a 2-1 record. The offensive plays are still there for Robinson, but instead of at quarterback he is getting carries and targets. Filling in the stat sheet, Robinson has two carries for 24 yards with a touchdown and five receptions for 49 yards with another score. With quarterbacks going the other way, Robinson has 14 stops, four solo, two tackles for a loss, one pass defended, and one fumble recovery. Again, the stats show one thing but the in-game action has been something different. The Miami area prospect has a 45-yard kick return but took one back to the house losing that effort on a penalty. In all, Robinson has reached the end zone six times this year with two to show for it on paper after flags were tossed.
The laundry on the field has not swayed how college football programs feel about the Class of 2023 standout. Eight offers have been dropped, with more friends sure to join the party.
In an RNG first-look interview, Robinson breaks down his roles with the Patriots with insight on the early goings of his recruiting process.
Interview
Antonio, as a freshman you emerged as a true do-everything player for the Patriots lining up at cornerback, quarterback, and as a return specialist. You’ve picked up that same pace in 2020 but as a running back and receiving threat on offense. Three games into the season, how has your sophomore season started off?
It has started well. In our first game I had an interception for 40 yards and in our second game I tore it up. It has been too easy for me.
You were a pick artist last season. Over the spring and summer months, what did you work on with your game as a cornerback?
I worked on point of attack, my breaks, and how close I was sticking to the receiver.
About how many times a game are quarterbacks trying you this season?
Not that much.
You showed no fear against the run in 2019 finishing plays with authority. Where does that mentality come from ready to light up a ball carrier coming your way?
It comes from all the weights I have lifted, running up hill, and how hard I have been working since I was six-years-old.
Where are you already seeing the improvements in your game on defense?
I can see my aggressiveness and how strong I am now. I can control a receiver’s body and I am throwing them all over the place.
What are some of the coverages you are running in the Patriots’ secondary?
We mainly run man; we blitz a lot.
You are making the transition from quarterback to an impact player as a running and receiving threat look easy. In this new role, how are you already seeing your game develop?
I can see it developing. When I was at quarterback, it was mostly doing the same things.
The Patriots are 2-1 this season, could very easily be 3-0 after the tough 14-13 game against Somerset Academy in the opener. As you guys build and gel, how is the team looking?
We are looking very good. No one else should beat us now. We know each other and our skills now.
For the entirety of the 2020 season, what goals have you set?
I want to maintain no catches allowed against me and no yards on me. That is it.
When football season is over, are you playing any other sports for Florida Christian?
After football, I go into baseball and track.
Let’s close with a quick update on recruiting. How many offers do you have?
Eight.
Robinson’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Coastal Carolina, FIU, Florida, Penn State, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Tuskegee
Which program was the first to offer you?
Tuskegee, but Tennessee was my first SEC offer.
That you know of, which other schools are showing interest?
Florida State.
Once the NCAA allows visits to campuses again, are there any schools you’d like to visit?
Yes, I’d like to visit Rutgers and Arkansas Razorbacks.
Antonio, it was great getting time in with you today covering your season thus far. Wishing you and the team success the rest of the way until we talk again.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Robinson family; Antonio Robinson