Gators see Robinson as a go- to receiver
GAINESVILLE — Gators freshman Demarcus Robinson quickly developed a reputation among Georgia high school football coaches.
WarnerRobins ( Ga.) High coach Bryan Way does not have fond memories of Robinson.
“They were all bad experiences,” said Way, laughing while recalling his team’s matchups withRobinson.
Robinson burned Way’s Demons during his final two seasons as a FortValley ( Ga.) Peach County High standout.
As a junior in 2011, Robinson pulled down an acrobatic one- handed touchdown catch with 48 seconds left to give Peach County a 7- 6 win. He previously kept the drive aliveby hauling in a 35- yard catch at Warner Robins’ 17- yard line on fourth- and- 16.
Last season, Robinson again enjoyed an exceptional night againstWarnerRobins, recording six catches for 153 yards and a touchdown in a 29- 24 victory.
“I’m not the right guy to talk to if you’re looking for somebody who knows how to stop him,” Way said. “I tried to slowhim down. He’s probably the best high school receiver that I’ve seen in person inmy 30 years.”
Former Gators receiver Jacquez Green knew Robinson was special from the start.
Green, a friend of theRobinson family since playing alongside Demarcus’ uncle and former NFL receiver Marcus Robinson at Peach County, first saw Demarcus play as a freshman.
“He was a freshman and was already 6 feet,” Green said. “He could also runwell andhadball skills. And[ wide receivers coach Nathan Clark] was coachinghimlike a senior and demanding perfection, even though he was young.”
The demand for perfection from Day 1pushed Robinson to a high school career that included aGeorgia Class AAA state championship in 2009 and All- State FirstTeam selections in 2011 and 2012. He played in the U. S. Army All- American Bowl as a senior.
Robinson’s success prompted Rivals. com to rate him a four- star recruit. After a back- and- forth recruiting battle between Clemson and Florida, Robinson committed to the Gators on Jan. 7 and enrolled atUFnext day.
Following spring practice andsummerworkouts atUF, Robinson has been a highlight of the Gators’ preseason camp. During an Aug. 15 open practice, Robinson made a deep one- handed catch against cornerback Marcus Roberson that drew roars fromthe crowd.
“He’s the best I’ve seen so far in person as a freshman,” Roberson said ofRobinson.
The Gators hope Robinson can quickly develop into a playmaker in the passing game.
Last year’s leading pass catcher, tight end Jordan Reed, departed for the NFL, and returning wideouts not named Quinton Dunbar combined for only eight catches in 2012.
“That guy’s really developed for us,” offensive coordinator Brent Pease said. “For a young kid, he’s got a lot of talent. He’s got great hands.”
Gators coach Will Muschamp described the “natural progression” of a college playeronAug. 23 as redshirting your first season, playing some your second year and competing for a starting job in your third.
But given Florida’s struggles at wide receiver, Robinson will need to contribute in Game 1 against Toledo on Saturday at 12: 21 p. m. in the Swamp. Green believes Robinson facesatoughchallenge in the hope and expectation placed on his shoulders.
“His biggest adjustment will be staying humble and just trying to work,” Green said.
UntilJeffDriskel takes the first snap with Robinson on the field, however, it boils down to potential. If everything falls into place, Robinson could be just what the Gators need.
“I think he can eventually be an All- SEC- type player,” Green said, “but that takes so many things that are out of his control right now.”