Demarcus Robinson Poised to Become a Star for Florida Gators
Hype, potential and expectations can raise an athlete’s game to the highest mountain tops, or it can make the greatest competitor crumble faster than a cookie swimming in warm milk.
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It’s safe to say Demarcus Robinson’s 2015 season is filled to the brim with expectations and anticipation.
The former 4-star recruit as rated by 247 Sports, came to Gainesville and made little impact his freshman year.
Robinson returned in 2014 with a bang, where he had a collective 21 receptions in his first two games for the Gators, including a record-tying 15 reception, 216 yard game against Kentucky.
And then suddenly, as fast as he came bursting on to the scene, he quickly went into the shadows over the Gators next seven games, where he averaged 2.5 catches and a lowly 32 receiving yards per game.
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He bounced back with a nice game against Eastern Kentucky but finished 2014 with average performances against Florida State and East Carolina.
There were a few factors that limited Robinson’s performances, including the dreadfully inconsistent play at quarterback from Treon Harris and former gator Jeff Driskel.
“Demarcus got faster, stronger, quicker (this spring), so whoever is sticking with Demarcus better have his A-game.”
Also, Florida as a team terribly underperformed in 2014, only managing a record of 7-5 despite the abundance of NFL-quality talent on the roster like, D.J. Humphries, Matt Jones and Dante Fowler Jr.
So here we are in 2015, and with a shockingly thin offensive line, uncertainty as to who will start at quarterback and no clear starter at tight end, it seems like the whole passing game will be predicated around Robinson.
And I think Robinson will absolutely shine under the weight of those expectations.
The 6’2, 200 pound receiver already has the prototypical NFL body you look for in a pass-catcher.
Along with his frame, Robinson boasts sub-4.4 speed that already has NFL scouts drooling.
Oct 11, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (11) reacts after he catches the ball and ran against the LSU Tigers during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. LSU Tigers defeated the Florida Gators 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Robinson has flashed moments of crazy playmaking ability where in 2014 he had 10 catches of over 20 or more yards.
Harris said it best when he told the Daily Commercial’s Zach Abolverdi, “Demarcus got faster, stronger, quicker (this spring), so whoever is sticking with Demarcus better have his A-game.”
History also says Robinson will step up in 2015 under Jim McElwain.
McElwain’s offense produced one of the deadliest passing attacks in college football last year, lead by now NFLer Garrett Grayson and star receiver Rashard Higgins.
Higgins totaled 1,750 receiving yard and 17 touchdowns as a sophomore, something Robinson no doubt wants to replicate.
Robinson does have to become a crisper, cleaner route runner and not rely so much on burning the defense downfield on every play.
He also has to improve his catching consistency, where sometimes he’s more likely to make the spectacular catch rather than the easy one.
But when all is said and done, if Robinson is able to stay healthy the entire season and if the quarterback play is dependable, I expect him to have one of the best seasons at the receiver position in gators history.
He is just too talented for anything less.
What do you think? Will Demarcus Robinson have a great 2015 season? We want to know!