Over the next 11 days, Gator Country will preview the players that make up the 2013 Florida Gators football team as we inch closer and closer to the season.
Each day we will count down using the player whose jersey number corresponds with how many days there are left until Florida kicks off against Toledo in the Swamp on August 31.
Today we take a look at freshman receiver Demarcus Robinson.
History
Robinson kept recruiting fans, as well as Florida and Clemson fans, on the edge of their seat all the way up until the day he enrolled at the University of Florida.
Robinson first committed to Clemson in July of 2012. Robinson officially visited Clemson that November but decided to decommit and instead pledge his commitment to Florida. Robinson officially visited Florida two days after his verbal pledge and promptly dropped the Gators three days later to hop back on the Clemson bandwagon.
Are you lost yet? Good, we’re just getting started.
While he was still committed to Clemson, rumors surfaced that Robinson was also committed to Florida. Robinson went to the Army All-American game committed to what most people thought was two schools. The announcers of the game were even unsure what to say. Robinson was supposed to announce his commitment at the All-American game but chose to just enroll at the university of his choosing in January.
The rollercoaster did a final loop and arrived back at the station in Gainesville, Florida.
Player Evaluation
Strengths
Robinson is a 6’2” 200-pound receiver who gives Florida a real weapon on the outside.
Robinson has good speed, great leaping ability, is a solid route-runner and has great hands. He high-points the ball very well and competes very well when he is in the air. Robinson will come up on the winning end of most jump balls thrown his way.
Robinson doesn’t have track speed but has more than adequate agility for his big frame. He’s fluid in and out of his breaks and can create separation with his route running.
Weaknesses
Robinson can get thrown off of his route and let his timing get affected when a defensive back gets his hands on him at the line of scrimmage. Doing this throws off Robinson’s timing and allows defensive backs a chance to stay with him in coverage easier.
What to Expect
Robinson’s roommate, Marcus Roberson, said that Robinson is the one of the most talented freshmen he has seen since he’s been in Gainesville and that the sky is the limit for him.
Roberson hit the nail on the head with that evaluation and Robinson is going to make an impact very early on in his career.
Robinson has already separated himself from the other four freshmen receivers and most of the upperclassmen receivers on the roster. As of now, Robinson looks to be No. 2 on the depth chart heading into camp.
Expect Robinson to be a major reason that the Florida passing game will have a vertical threat. He will be an aspect of the offense that opponents have to account for unlike the past couple of seasons.