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SEC running backs and offensive lineman, having just finished spring practice, have to be smiling a little this Friday night.
No longer will they have to collide with A’Shawn Robinson, a 6-foot-4, 307-pound bundle of explosive muscle, in the middle of the line of scrimmage.
Robinson became the third Alabama player off the board in Friday’s second round when the Detroit Lions selected him at No. 46 overall. His selection followed teammate Derrick Henry, who went No. 45 to Tennessee.
One of just two players from Alabama’s 2015 national championship team to leave eligibility on the table in favor of the NFL draft, Robinson also adds to coach Nick Saban’s incredible collection of early-round picks.
Robinson collected 7.5 tackles for loss and 46 overall stops as a junior in ’15, earning consensus All-American honors and becoming a finalist for the prestigious Outland Trophy. He came into his own in the ’14 SEC Championship Game with three tackles for loss against Missouri, setting the stage for last season.
Part of one of the most memorable defensive lines in Alabama history, Robinson was a major contributor to the team that finished the season 14-1, beating Michigan State and Clemson in the College Football Playoff.
Although he just turned 21, Robinson is perhaps best known for his intense glare, bald head and long beard that makes him look much older.
A'Shawn Robinson was a huge baby, played tackle football at 4, could be '16 first-round pick. http://t.co/oLNkoKFYoI pic.twitter.com/chaVWzwSDp
— Michael Casagrande (@ByCasagrande) September 4, 2015
Alabama's A'Shawn Robinson is 20. Tells @slmandel most people think he's 35 pic.twitter.com/9FGRufIXC0
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) December 29, 2015
In 2015, he also leaped over a center to block a kick, showing off his elite athleticism that NFL teams covet.
That's A'Shawn Robinson everyone. Pulling a Kam Chancellor pic.twitter.com/Xu3rEVFMJh
— Justen Gammel (@gamscout) November 8, 2015
NFL scouts and analysts say he’ll have to work on playing with a lower pad level and developing as a pass rusher. But while he already earned All-American status playing against SEC competition, his potential is much higher.
An itinerant journalist, Christopher has moved between states 11 times in seven years. Formally an injury-prone Division I 800-meter specialist, he now wanders the Rockies in search of high peaks.
