Gators WR Robinson: 'I Feel Like I Have a Role Now'
Saturday, September 13, 2014 | Football, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The play is one they will share forever.
As for the routes they took to get to that moment, well, quarterback Treon Harris and receiver Demarcus Robinson have much different stories to tell.
In his first college game, on his first college pass, Harris connected with Robinson for a 70-yard touchdown in Florida's 65-0 win over Eastern Michigan.
“It was a one-on-one matchup,'' Robinson said this week. “We talked about it before we went out there on the field, his first play throwing the ball. He threw it up, and touchdown. It was just amazing for him to feel that excitement, as well as me, my first touchdown.”
Poor Tyrie Mack. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Eastern Michigan defensive back never had a chance against Robinson, listed at 6-2, 200 pounds.
The replay shows Robinson darting from the left sideline toward the middle of the field. Harris' perfectly-timed pass hit Robinson in stride at the 30-yard line. Mack momentarily latched onto Robinson, who promptly broke free at the 25-yard line like a horse shrugs flies off its back.
“He threw a really catchable, good ball to Demarcus, and Demarcus made a really good play to stay on his feet and score,'' said quarterback Jeff Driskel, who watched from the sideline. “That was huge.”
With no one near, Robinson looked back as he strolled into the end zone for his long-awaited first career touchdown.
Robinson was suspended for the opener against Idaho due to a university sanction. He missed three games last season due to suspension and did not play in two others.
Since Robinson joined the Gators in January 2013, the only certainty has been the physical gifts he possesses. Maturity issues and other factors off the field often prevented him from showcasing those gifts.
As a result, Robinson had only five receptions for 23 yards last season. After the first game of 2014, Robinson ranks third in the SEC in receiving yards per game following his six-catch, 123-yard performance last week.
“I have been through plenty of Saturdays where I haven't been on the field,'' Robinson said. “It was fun. I know I've been practicing so long, it seemed like two years, and just for me to get out there and show my talent, that's a blessing for me.”
Receiver Demarcus Robinson had 123 receiving yards in UF's opener. (Photo: Tim Casey)
While Harris is Driskel's backup following a close battle in camp with fellow freshman Will Grier, the Gators hope Robinson is ready to emerge as the dynamic receiver he was advertised out of Peach County (Ga.) High.
Those physical gifts – speed, size, long arms – are difficult to overlook.
“He's a guy that's got really good catch radius,'' Gators coach Will Muschamp said. “I mean he's able to get the ball in a lot of different spots, and he's able to go get the ball and attack the ball. He's got natural ability to do those things, he's a very explosive guy.”
Robinson entered the Eastern Michigan game expecting the ball to be thrown his way after discussions with offensive coordinator Kurt Roper. His wait ended in the second quarter when Driskel completed two passes for 18 yards to Robinson, the second catch for 10 yards to set up a Frankie Velez field goal.
Robinson added four receptions in the second half and left the field with a rare smile.
“I was very excited to be out there,'' Robinson said. “I really wanted to be out there with my team. When I got on the field, I felt normal. I wasn't nervous at all. It felt like practice, really. It was go-time.”
Muschamp and Roper said Robinson has all the tools to be a go-to receiver. However, they do want him to protect the football more after catches.
Robinson's hands are so big that he can easily grip the ball in one hand, which he often does trying to pick up yards after a catch.
“We talk in terms of five points of pressure, and keeping and squeezing the ball into your ribs and keeping your wrist above your elbow,” Roper said. “We had one -- it was a great third-down conversion where D-Rob took it and put in one hand. Just things that are going to cost you at times. Just truly, truly cost you."
The nephew of former NFL receiver Marcus Robinson, Demarcus often gets pointers from his uncle on the finer points of being an elite-level receiver.
He got a call of a different kind after the game. A congratulatory one from the elder Mr. Robinson, who spent 11 seasons in the NFL.
“He told me I had a good game. He said he watched every play and I did some things,'' Demarcus said. “Even when I caught the balls, he told me I was still like a little sluggish on some things. He's just a good guy all around, lets me know what I did good and what I did bad."
The best part of Saturday for Robinson?
“I feel like I have a role now,'' he said.
The Gators do, too.
