GAINESVILLE, Fla. --
James Robinson's inclusion in Florida's 2017 signing class prompted great enthusiasm in February when UF head coach
Jim McElwain announced the Lakeland (Fla.) High receiver had signed with the Gators during McElwain's National Signing Day press conference.
In the sixth months since, it appeared at times Robinson might never actually make it to UF. However, there he was on Friday afternoon stepping onto the field as the final member of the 2017 class to join the team. The NCAA officially cleared Robinson academically, which allowed him to participate on the second day of preseason camp.
"He's been out there a couple of practices,'' McElwain said Monday. "He's big, that's a good thing."
At 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, Robinson is a combination of
strength, speed and athleticism. He was Florida's top offensive recruit and his addition adds another target and potential playmaker.
While the Gators had to wait longer than expected for Robinson to get cleared, his arrival provides a boost at the start of camp. He caught 33 passes for 639 yards and six touchdowns as a senior a Lakeland according to
The Lakeland Ledger.
Robinson introduced himself to his new teammates at the end of Friday's practice.
"It was the first time he was in front of the team,'' McElwain said. "I'm excited for his opportunity. Time will tell. He's got a long ways to go, obviously, not being here in summer B. The catchup piece with him is not trying to get it all at once."
