Don’t call it a comeback: Demarcus Robinson’s record day

Fourth down and seven yards to go.

Jeff Driskel stood some five yards behind Max Garcia, waving his arms desperately, trying to get the offense in position before the snap. A “miscommunication” Will Muschamp called it after the game.

The miscommunication almost cost the Florida Gators (2-0, 1-0 SEC) a chance to extend their 27-game winning streak (now 28) over Kentucky (2-1, 0-1 SEC).

Garcia sent the ball flying back to Driskel just in time (maybe) and falling away from pressure, Driskel threw a prayer into the back of the end zone towards Demarcus Robinson, “It did seem like the ball was coming down in slow motion,” Robinson said.

“Just get closer, just come to me before the defender gets to me. I was just so happy that it dropped soon enough, just fall quick enough.”

The ball floated for hours, or so it seemed, before coming down comfortably in Robinson’s grasp. It was just one of a school-record 15 receptions (tied with Carlos Alvarez vs. Miami, 1969) for the sophomore receiver who now has 21 receptions for 339 yards through the first two games.

Robinson began the year suspended for what was called a university sanction. It wasn’t the first time the talented receiver had an off field issue keep him from showcasing his athletic ability on the field. Robinson missed three games last season due to two different suspensions.

In fact, Robinson was suspended for the third week of the season in 2013, missing the Tennessee game.

“Last season is last year. I’m just staying focused and staying humble through last season and the off time,” he said. “I’m just trying to stay comfortable and stay connected with my teammates.”

What a difference a year can make.

Robinson got off to a hot start, catching the first three passes (and only three) Jeff Driskel completed in the first quarter. Robinson accounted for 64% of Florida’s production in the first quarter and by halftime, he would rack up 107 yards on six receptions.

“I don’t think you go into a game thinking that a certain guy is going to have a big game,” Driskel said. “I think he did a good job of getting open. Plays are set up based on looks and he gave us great looks so we were going to keep going to him.”

And they continued going to him. Driskel threw at Robinson 21 times through four quarters and three overtime periods. Robinson’s 216 receiving yards were the most of any Florida Gator since Taylor Jacobs hauled in a school-record 246 against UAB in 2002 and Robinson’s total places him fourth-best all-time in the Florida record books.

“I don’t know anything about a record,” Robinson said with a puzzled look on his face. When he was told of the record performance he had just finished, Robinson smiled and looked down saying, “It happened, I guess.”

Robinson broke out last week, with his first 100-yard receiving game. He flashed and showed why he was such a highly prized recruit two years ago. But this performance, this historic, record-breaking, one-man showcase of talent and ability will put him on a whole different level.

You better believe Nick Saban will have number 11 circled in red on the gameplan this week. The Crimson Tide will try to limit what Robinson can do, something that Kentucky didn’t do this week.

“Gameplan, certainly he’s going to be a huge part of it,” Will Muschamp said. “The other part of it is the way they played us. When they started max and you create a one-on-one matchup outside, a lot of times we go to Jeff and just say, ‘go to the matchup you like,’ and he likes that matchup.”

Robinson might have been the best kept secret in orange and blue this season. The cat is out of the bag now. He’s been introduced to the nation, now the Gators need him to keep playing at this level.

Nick de la Torre
A South Florida native, Nick developed a passion for all things sports at a very young age. His love for baseball was solidified when he saw Al Leiter’s no-hitter for the Marlins live in May of 1996. He was able to play baseball in college but quickly realized there isn’t much of a market for short, slow outfielders that hit around the Mendoza line. Wanting to continue with sports in some capacity he studied journalism at the University of Central Florida. Nick got his first start in the business as an intern for a website covering all things related to the NFL draft before spending two seasons covering the Florida football team at Bleacher Report. That job led him to GatorCountry. When he isn’t covering Gator sports, Nick enjoys hitting way too many shots on the golf course, attempting to keep up with his favorite t.v. shows and watching the Heat, Dolphins and Marlins. Follow him on twitter @NickdelatorreGC