One to Watch: Interview with Munford Alabama Class of 2017 Center Jakari Robinson

Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3 

The Munford Lions had a great season as they finished 10-4 and reached the state semifinals. Unfortunately, they were knocked out of the playoffs for the third consecutive year by Leeds, 48-20. Leeds was looking for revenge as Munford won when the two schools met in Week 3 of the regular season (49-48) in overtime.

One of the keys to their success this year was the play of their outstanding offensive led by junior Jakari Robinson. The 6’2”, 300 pound, beast had a great junior campaign as he registered 51 knockdowns and 74 pancake blocks.

The great numbers helped Robinson earned first team All-County and second team All-State honors. Despite having one more year of high school football remaining, colleges are already looking at Robinson. The three teams that Robinson has already received interest from are Jacksonville State, Navy, and South Alabama. He has also taken an unofficial visit to Jacksonville State.

Robinson plays with great intensity, loves to hit people while playing football, and tries to model his game after Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Tyron Smith.

In an exclusive Recruiting News interview, I sat down with Jakari to talk about his high school career at Munford and his recruiting process.

Interview

What are your thoughts on the 2015 season?

“We had a good season but I wish we could have finished it off because that team knocked us out three years in a row.”

What are your thoughts on your individual performance?

“I had a really good year. I had 51 knockdowns and 74 pancake blocks. I feel I had a pretty good year.”

What are your strengths on the football field?

“Run blocking is one of my strengths. I can pass block too but my strength is run blocking.”

Did you receive any individual awards?

“First team All-County and second team All-State.”

What was your most memorable moment of the season?

“Beating Leeds in overtime because it was a crazy game. It was fun to beat them. A whole bunch of moments could have decided the game but we came out on top.”

Have you received any interest from any schools?

“Jacksonville State, Navy, and South Alabama.”

Do you have any offers?

“No sir.”

Have you taken any visits?

“Jacksonville State.”

How did that visit go?

“It was fun being on the field during game and in the locker room.”

What kind of feedback have you received about your football skills?

“Jacksonville State and South Alabama told me they liked my size and my run blocking ability.”

What do you like most about playing football?

“The reason I started playing was to let anger out. I like hitting people. It is a fun and competitive but I like hitting people.”

Do you have any pregame rituals?

“The only thing I make sure to do before every game is pray and then it’s game time.”

Who has the biggest impact on your football career?

“My mom who signed me up a long time ago. My mom, Lovie Robinson, and my grandparents, Elton and Mahala. They have paid for everything I need for football. They helped be who I am today.

What is your current GPA?

“3.0 but I’ve been working hard on my grades. I took off from basketball to make sure my grades stay good.”

Have you thought about what you will study in college?

“A degree in physical education or sports management.”

What is your max bench?

“355 but the way our class works is that it goes up five pounds every week.”

What is your max squat?

“550 but it will go up also.”

What are your goals for your senior season?

“Personally, I would like to make first team all-county and first team all-state. I want to be first team everything. My team goals are to win the state championship. If everyone does their role, we will win.”

Photo credit: Lovie Robinson; Munford center Jakari Robinson