Bryce Young, Brian Robinson have built 'super close' friendship

Relationships are important in sports – especially among college football players. That’s certainly the case for Alabama quarterback Bryce Young and running back Brian Robinson, who have built a close-knit bond during their time together in Tuscaloosa.

While Young is just a sophomore, he’s looked up to Robinson – a senior – ever since he arrived on campus, and the veteran running back has taken the young quarterback under his wing. Because of that, the duo has a great friendship off the field – and that’s translated to their on-the-field success.

As Young has thrown for 4,503 yards and 46 touchdowns this season, Robinson has ran for 1,275 yards and 14 touchdowns, making them a tough opponent for any opposing defense. The way they’ve performed has Alabama ranked No. 1 and back in the College Football Playoff national championship.

Heading into Monday night’s national championship game, which will put the Crimson Tide up against Georgia in a rematch of the SEC championship, Young was asked about his relationship with Robinson and what it means for them.

“Me and B-Rob are super close,” Young said. “Lockers are right next to each other so I get to see him, be around him all the time. And then obviously on the field. But B-Rob is someone I’ve been cool with since I first got here. Someone who is from Tuscaloosa, someone who has been in the program for a while.

“And when I first got here he was someone who was always super cool with me, someone who was super welcoming when I was just a freshman. That means a lot to me, for him last year, being here as long as he did, he didn’t have to go out of his way to make sure I was good and to look out for me as just a freshman. But he made a priority to do that. And that’s always meant a lot for me, not just in football but in life for someone to do that. That’s always meant a lot.”

Young: ‘It’s been great being able to be around B-Rob’

The friendship and connection between Bryce Young and Brian Robinson has been key for Alabama’s success throughout the 2021-22 season, and the duo is hoping they can put together another strong performance on Monday night and cap the campaign with another title.

Despite what happens in the game, it’s clear that the quarterback and running back have built a strong bond during their time together with the Tide program.

“It’s always great to have someone like B-Rob around and just an added bonus when it’s someone that’s at running back that you collaborate with every single play,” Young said. “And it makes it so much easier when, off the field, everything is cool, too.

“So, it’s been great being able to be around B-Rob. It’s been huge for me this year, last year, and I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to play with him.”