UCF Commitment Prospect Evaluation: LB Samarian Robinson
When linebackers coach Ernie Sims III and the UCF Knights landed Samarian Robinson, he was flying under the national recruiting radar.
After seeing him play live, that first point became a bit puzzling.
A member of the Tallahassee (Fla.) Lincoln program, Robinson has filled out his frame and become the prototypical linebacker prospect. That was not the same situation heading into last season.
Robinson was under 200 pounds, but has hit a growth spurt and looks much different than he did even four months ago. He’s 217 pounds as of Feb. 4.
Perhaps Robinson being from Tallahassee and the Florida Panhandle has kept scouts from knowing about his growth? Whatever it might be, Robinson’s frame was obviously legit based on yesterday’s viewing at the DRSportz 7v7 tournament in Davenport, Fla.
Impressed with the natural athleticism, and especially the physicality, of @SamarianRobins3. He was a primary recruit for LB coach @ErnieSims34 and the Knights.#ChargeOn | @tightaction | @DRSportz_ | @SBLiveFL pic.twitter.com/F5BJxrhyu4
— Brian Smith (@fbscout_florida) February 5, 2023
Keep in mind, he became a linebacker last season. Robinson played skill positions prior to that. Here were a few of the observations of Robinson’s play.
First off, Robinson showed good knee bend and overall flexibility. He pivoted and ran quite well. Many long-limbed athletes have struggled in that regard. His bend and overall athleticism also allowed Robinson to do what he’s best known for.
Being physical.
The first play that Robinson was evaluated, he could have been flagged for an aggressive “tag” of the receiver. Remember, this was 7v7 football, not tackle.
He came downhill much faster than this writer expected, and he dislodged the football from a receiver during a crossing route.
When Robinson made that play, it also exemplified just how long his arms have become. That length will serve him well at the college level. It’s hard for quarterbacks to throw over the top of a player like Robinson, and that can lead to deflections and interceptions. As for watching his coverage skills, that’s the area he definitely needed the most work.
It was expected. It will take a while for Robinson to understand the true nuances of how and when to pass off a receiver while in zone, as well as how to attack different types of running backs, receivers and tight ends when in man coverage.
In short, sometimes it’s very complicated for a young linebacker. That’s okay. Much like a quarterback needing time with his targets, it’s the same for a linebacker learning how to cover those same players.
Robinson was sometimes overly aggressive. With time, he will better understand when to come downhill and play the football in the air or stay back and not allow a different receiver to be open with a deeper route.
That’s what coach Sims will be for. He’s been through those same situations while he played for Florida State, as well as the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys, and Arizona Cardinals.
One last point regarding this young man’s skills. Robinson’s open-field speed surpassed expectations. He got going in a hurry and could run with players much smaller than himself. Robinson will not have a problem with speed while going sideline to sideline to make a tackle or play in space to cover during a passing play. He also has an advantage moving forward.
For an inexperienced linebacker like Robinson, coach Sims will be a great fit to show him what he needs to know about the subtleties of linebacker play while still allowing the talented athlete to use his physical skills to make plays.
The upside for Robinson should be considered extremely high. He proved to be a talented player already, and it’s going to be fun to watch him develop over time with UCF.
Look for an interview with Robinson on Monday at Inside The Knights.
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