Eddie Robinson Jr. On His First Year As Alabama State's Head Coach

From the Deion Sanders exchange to snapping the Magic City Classic losing streak, Alabama State's head football reflected on his first season at the helm while looking forward to 2023.

When Eddie Robinson became the head football coach at Alabama State University, he wasn't conservative when talking about his goals for the first season as the leader of his alma mater.

"The goal was to win the SWAC Championship," Robinson said. "You can't shy away from goals. I tell the kids always to set high goals, so as the coach and the program, we have to do the same thing."

Robinson also wanted the team to be more disciplined on and off the football field. On the field, the team cut down on penalties, having ten or more in three of the first five games to only one in the last six. He was happy off the field when eight players walked across the stage in the fall, and more graduated in the spring.

The Hornets fell short of the conference championship goal, but the former All-SWAC selection's first year at the helm did end with a 6-5 record, one of only five schools in the conference with a winning record last season. Robinson answered positively about his first season as Alabama State's head football coach.

Alabama State Athletics

HIS FIRST YEAR AS HEAD COACH

"I think it was a good year," Robinson said. "We made a lot of progress. Won a couple of the classics, the MEAC/SWAC Challenge and also the Magic City Classic. We had a little disappointing finish at the end, something we can definitely learn from. It's hard to take good things out of a loss when they first happen, but months later, you can look at it and see how it can make us a better team."

Losses to Florida A&M and Arkansas-Pine Bluff to end the season was the disappointing finish Robinson alluded to, with both games ending with each team scoring a touchdown in the final minute of regulation. Both are brutal ways to lose, but as he said, such games provide teachable moments.

There was still a lot for the players and coaches to be proud of. In addition to finishing with a winning record, the Hornets arguably had the second-best defense in the SWAC, trailing only Jackson State in points allowed per game and total touchdowns allowed. 

Alabama State also had some individual talents on the defensive side of the ball, as Colton Adams led the conference with 128 total tackles, and Nelson Jordan was fifth with 8.5 sacks. 

"Defensively, we had Brandon Gaddy, we had Bubba [Adams] who is coming back this year and was an All-American, and we had Keenan Isaac, a guy I feel like should get drafted," Robinson said. "We had some talent on the defensive side of the ball."

Robinson also named junior Irshaad Davis, who racked up 65 tackles and six pass breakups, and freshman Adrian Maddox, who "came out of nowhere," according to the head coach, as players who played well last season. Maddox had 49 tackles and two interceptions in his first collegiate season.

"Defense is a lot about attitude and effort. That's what we preach," Robinson said. "If you play hard, then good things can happen.

"It was nice to see those guys gel together."

Robinson went on to say a lot of the credit goes to defensive coordinator Ryan Lewis, who was not hired until after last year's spring game. Meaning Lewis had to infuse last season's defense, which was run by former DC and current Morgan State DC Antone' Sewell, with his ideologies and scheme, and he only had about three months to do so.

"That was a lot on [Lewis]. The good thing was he knew the people in the room, they respected him, and everyone respected each other. A lot of credit to the coaching staff for getting everything together."

Aug. 27, 2022; Alabama State head coach Eddie Robinson Jr and quarterback Damatrius Davis win the 2022 MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff in Atlanta, GA at Center Parc Stadium.  Mandatory Photo Credit: David Campbell, Alabama State University

THE COACH-QUARTERBACK RELATIONSHIP

Another factor of Robinson's first year was building a relationship with Dematrius Davis, the freshman quarterback who made electrifying plays for the Hornets after transferring from Auburn. Though he only played in nine games, Davis threw for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns, and his 59.5% completion percentage ranked third in the SWAC.

"That's always a big deal," Robinson said about having a good relationship with Davis. "Love Dematrius, great kid. Unfortunately, he had a couple of injuries, so besides the first game, he never really played at 100 percent. For the rest of the year, his shoulder and knee were banged up, but he was a competitor and gave us what he had."

When Robinson reached out to Davis over Christmas break, he joked that the quarterback and coach should be in contact every day, even though weeks had passed since then. But he also mentioned how Davis has a desire to be great, that he wants to be the one to make big plays.

"The better he gets, the more people will follow. He's one of those guys that, as long as he's on the field, you have a chance. Those are the type of players you want to have on your team."

Alabama State Athletics

ON THE HORNETS OFFENSE

Regarding the offense as a whole, the offense was 11th last season in total offense, with the main struggle coming in the rushing game (only 111.8 YPG). Even so, Robinson said he wants to have a run-first offense.

"We had some game where we ran well, but overall that's one thing we want to do," Robinson said. "I know it's a passing league. Quarterbacks and wide receivers are big-time. But at the end of the day, it's football. If you can run the football, you have a chance to be great."

The offense will have Jacory Merritt and Ja'Won Howell return, along with several offensive linemen. Robinson believes the talent is there but wants the guys up front to go hard in the weight room.

"We have to be special in the weight room," Robinson said to his offensive line. "If we can win in the weight room and get stronger, we can dominate football games."

Jackson State Tigers head coach Deion Sanders and Alabama State Hornets head coach Eddie Robinson, Jr., shake hands after the game as Alabama State Hornets takes on Jackson State Tigers at ASU Stadium in Montgomery, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. Jackson State Tigers defeated Alabama State Hornets 26-12

I'M SWAC!

Unfortunately, some of the news related to Robinson's first season wasn't just about on-field performance; he found himself in one of the most controversial exchanges after ASU's homecoming game, where he refused to embrace former Jackson State head coach Deion Sanders.  

It's Safe To Say That Alabama State HC Eddie Robinson Jr. & Jackson State HC Deion Sanders Didn't Have The Friendliest Post-Game Handshake. pic.twitter.com/wKCGT10NYG

— LIGHT ON COLLEGE SPORTS (@LightOnSports) October 8, 2022

The Sanders-Robinson beef soon was followed by a post-game press conference where Robinson coined his famous quote: "He ain't SWAC, I'm SWAC."

“He ain’t SWAC. I’m SWAC.”😳 Alabama State HC Eddie Robinson about Jackson State HC Deion Sanders #bamastate #swac #swarmas1 #theeibelieve pic.twitter.com/sJuZjnSXdB

— The Wild Card (@wildcard2k) October 8, 2022

Soon social media went ablaze. T-shirts, memes, and chant remixes created a buzz with people asking, "Who is SWAC?" Next, the 'I AM SWAC' debates ensued regarding what exactly qualifies someone of the distinction.

However, when asked about the exchange, initially, Robinson didn't know how it blew up.

"I didn't think it was that big of a deal," Robinson remarked. "It wasn't until later that night when people said, 'Hey, look at your phone. I'm seeing this on Instagram and Twitter.' At that point, I thought, 'Woah, guess it was a big deal.' I thought it was going to pass over."

"The biggest thing was a matter of respecting the game and understanding that there are certain protocols that take place in football. The unwritten part of it that we know as players and coaches. I think it got a little out of whack, and I love Alabama State. I love the football team, I love the school, and I love the SWAC Conference. So I don't mind being the person to stand up and speak up for the conference. I think a lot of the things that were said were out of wack, and it was enough of it."

Robinson said it was not personal and that he has a lot of respect for Sanders and wishes him the best. He also said that he doesn't believe there is any animosity and that if the two cross paths again, he's sure they'll speak.

ON THE MAGIC CITY CLASSIC

Homecoming wasn't a win for Alabama State, but the Hornets won another important game: Magic City Classic. With a late touchdown and defensive stop, ASU defeated Alabama A&M and snapped a four-game losing streak. The Magic City Classic is one of the biggest, if not the biggest classic in all of college football, one that's important to all aspects of the fanbase, from supporters to alums. As the football coach and former player, Robinson brought the trophy back to Montgomery.

"When I played, you got one trophy, and the winning team kept it. Now, I think it's great that they have the trophy with the scores on it, and it goes back and forth with the winning team," Robinson said. "That's definitely something we'll talk about with the kids, that 'Hey, the trophy is here now, so let's keep it here.'

"To win that game was just a great experience, and we're going out there next year and compete. Coach [Connell] Maynor is a fierce competitor, so I know he's going to do everything he can to get the trophy back."

Alabama State head coach Eddie Robinson, Jr., prepares to lead his team on to the field against Florida A&M University at Hornet Stadium in Montgomery, Ala. on Saturday November 12, 2022. Asu16; Credit: © Mickey Welsh / Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK

LOOKING FORWARD AND RECRUITS

The main news involving Alabama State football has been on the recruiting front. During the early signing period, the football program added two players, cornerback Ethan Tookes and offensive lineman Josh Daniel. 

"[Tookes] fits into that 'tall, long corner' guy who can play man coverage and press coverage," Robinson said. "Took every rep in camp. We feel like he can play as a freshman. Just a kid that has a lot of potential."

Robinson also sees Daniel as a player that could play right away, similar to Dezmond Penn, who started several games at center last season. Robinson's goal is to create depth at every position, but he made it clear that he is fearless in starting true freshmen if they win the job and provide the best chance to win.

By the end of the regular signing period, ASU's class reached 18 student-athletes. In an interview during the signing day event, Robinson said one of the goals was to get some explosiveness on offense. He got a commitment from wide receiver Ajai Harrell, who won the Florida Player of the Year award after accumulating over 2,000 all-purpose yards.

Even though there were a number of players ASU will welcome, two players during the recruiting cycle chose elsewhere but still left a mark: defensive lineman James Smith and edge rusher Qua Russaw. The Carver High School teammates signed with the Alabama Crimson Tide, but the Hornets did make the final six schools. Though Robinson did not land two of the best players in the state of Alabama, he still has plans to increase ASU's recruiting footprint in the state.

"Getting those in-state kids from Birmingham, from Mobile, Montgomery, Huntsville, all those areas is really important to us, "Robinson said. "They're really crucial to sign. We want everybody to know we're Montgomery's Division I program.

"Even if a kid commits to a big school or goes to another school, I think you still form that relationship, and that's what happened with James Smith and Qua Russaw. They were able to take unofficial visits because they were in the area, got chance to attend the spring game and a couple of regular-season games. So they have a really good experience with HBCU football. That can transcend them to telling another kid, 'Hey, Alabama State would be a great place for you to play,' or for some reason, if they're not enjoying the experience, or it doesn't work out, you know, 'Hey, those are kids that'll come and play for you.'"

Now that recruiting is essentially over for the 2023 class, there are other matters to attend to for Robinson and his staff, from exit meetings to continuing the relationship with returning players. He called the first three months of the calendar year the "first quarter," focusing on strength and conditioning, academic work for players, and preparation for spring practices and the spring game.

Aug. 27, 2022; Alabama State head coach Eddie Robinson Jr celebrates winning the 2022 MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff in Atlanta, GA at Center Parc Stadium. Mandatory Photo Credit:  Alabama State Athletics Dept

FUTURE GOALS

"We wanna win this first quarter of the 2023 season," he said. "It's definitely a lot easier when you walk into the room, and all the players know you, and you know them. We're off to a pretty good start, but it's a lot of hard work to do."

Academic success is also the first thing Robinson listed among the goals for 2023, saying he challenges his players to become alumni of ASU.

"We wanna win championships. I want the kids to be All-SWAC, All-America, the really good ones. I hope they get drafted. At the end of the day, the one thing they can control is that you can leave here with a college degree," Robinson said.

In terms of on-field success, Robinson said the program wants to win the division, the conference, and the Celebration Bowl. With that said, he mentioned some games that "matter more," like the Magic City Classic against Alabama A&M or Turkey Day Classic against Tuskegee, both longtime rivals of Alabama State.

Spoken like a true Hornet.