Robinson put on a clinic in a game featuring players from Power Five programs, rushing for 135 yards on just eight carries. That kind of performance is something Illinois State fans got used to watching for four years. He racked up 4,444 rushing yards and 44 rushing touchdowns, both ranking second in Illinois State history.
While he may have caught other’s attention with that performance in the Shrine Bowl, Robinson expected that out of himself. He’s always held himself to a high standard, and it was business as usual despite being on the field with players from powerhouses such as Ohio State, Alabama, Clemson, and USC.
That’s the exact mindset he carried during his historic run with the Redbirds. After most of his touchdown runs, he was seen casually flipping the ball to the referee and jogging back to the sidelines already plotting his next visit to the end zone.
There’s no mistaking Robinson’s level of production and dedication to the game. He has studied film of some of the game’s greats and has tried to take something from each of them. Robinson often spends his free time searching YouTube of his favorite backs, and every week he tries to pick a new one.
Experts have praised his decision-making and vision and have been complimentary of his work and constant improvement at Illinois State. Last fall, Robinson saved his best work for last and had 601 rushing yards on 102 carries in the Redbirds three FCS playoff games.
The NFL Draft will be virtual. The hoopla that comes with it—be it the people in the audience reacting to their team’s pick, the flashy suits, or the press conferences in a player’s new city the next morning—will be absent.