Interview: Big and Fast, 3-Star 2021 Texas WR Antonio Robinson is an Ideal Division-I Talent
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If college offensive coordinators had a lab where they could put together talents for their roster, top Division-I offensive minds would be constructing replicas of Antonio Robinson left and right. The Class of 2021 standout is big (6-3, 190), fast (4.49), and gets it done on the field. At the end of his junior campaign, Robinson ended with an estimated stat line of 40 receptions for 800 yards with eight touchdowns. Over the offseason, the Melissa High School talent started popping up on radars earning five scholarship offers and three-star recruiting status. His Cardinals squad has started the season hot posting a 5-1 record against Texas 4A competition with their playmaker securing 15 passes for 380 yards with four trips into the end zone to help the cause.
In an RNG first-look, Robinson took time from preparing for the Cardinals next showdown against Anna High School to fill us in on his season and recruiting.
Interview
Antonio, at the end of last season you were further developing that skill as playmaker with the Cardinals coming up with one big catch after another. At the midway point of the 2020 season, how has your senior year gone for you personally thus far?
It is going good. After the first half of games, I am being double-teamed. It is going well but it could be better.
Which areas of your game did you work on over the offseason to prepare for the slate of games on the 2020 schedule?
I worked on my hands and route running.
How did you increase your speed and burst over the spring and summer months?
I was going to a trainer, he’s in Frisco. I was doing drills with him and I was doing ladders and pulling sleds.
Did you post a 40-yard dash time this offseason?
Yes, my coach timed it. I ran a hand-timed 4.49.
Wow. That is impressive.
Thank you.
What style of offense are you guys executing this season?
We are in a Spread.
Which routes off the tree are you running?
Posts, goes, comebacks, end arounds.
How are defenses scheming against you?
They have a cornerback pressing and safety over the top.
Where are you showing the biggest improvements in all that you do as a receiver?
I feel like my hands are so much better and my route running. Those are the best parts of my game, and I can go get the ball.
We talked about the areas of improvement, what do you now feel are the strengths to your overall game?
I am also a good blocker.
The team had been on a roll winning the first five games of the season. On Friday you guys get Anna (2-5), what kind of game are you expecting from them?
We can’t take them for granted. We will play hard.
Let’s get into recruiting. How many offers do you have?
Five.
Robinson’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Eastern Michigan, New Mexico, New Mexico State, and William & Mary
Which other schools are showing interest?
Utah has been texting me.
Before the dead period began in March, did you get to take any unofficial visits?
No. I was going to Kansas but they cancelled it that week. That is when my recruiting was starting to blow up.
This summer, did you get to take any virtual visits?
Yes, I took one to Arizona. I really liked their campus and facilities.
If visits are allowed again come first of next year, are there any campuses you’d like to see in-person?
I’d like to go to Arizona, SFA, New Mexico, and Eastern Michigan, but nothing is planned.
Being a senior in these odd times, how are you handling your recruiting? Are you going to put out a top schools list?
I don’t plan on doing that. I plan on committing and that will be after the season, but my recruiting is still 100 percent open.
Antonio, thanks for your time today. Wishing you and the Cardinals success the rest of the way.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Melissa HS/Robinson family; Antonio Robinson