Brian Robinson details the process of getting from Alabama to the NFL
Just making it to the National Football League is no easy task, even for the best some of the best college football players in America and some of the best athletes in the world. For former Alabama star Brian Robinson, Jr. it was a long road in which he had to stay patient along the way, despite plenty of uncertainty. He recently detailed his journey from the Crimson Tide to the National Football League in an article written by Caroline Pineda of The Washington Post.
“If it was taking a small step every year to get where I needed to go by Year 4 or 5, I was good with that. I was coachable,” Robinson said. “I listened to my coaches. I trust that that plan for me will work out.”
And that journey has prepared him for the NFL where he knows more ups and downs are coming.
“It’s going to be tough sometimes,” the former Alabama running back said. “That’s just why I got to appreciate where I came from. My journey to get here kind of helped prepare me for that.”
Robinson is expected to compete for early-down and goal-line work in his first year with the Washington Commanders. The Commanders now have a remarkable amount of depth at the running back position, with Antonio Gibson, J.D. McKissic, Jaret Patterson, and now Robinson.
The man they call “B-Rob” is expected to take over as the team’s power running back, a position that was once held by former Washington Commander Peyton Barber. He’ll backup Antonio Gibson, while J.D. McKissic is projected to maintain his third down pass-catching duties. The former Arkansas State standout was second on the team in catches last season, pulling in 43 catches for 397 receiving yards and two touchdowns. McKissic has very quietly carved out a role as one of the better pass-catching tailbacks in the league the past few years.
Brian Robinson was one of the more complete running backs in the class
In addition to shining in his final season with the Crimson Tide, Robinson impressed in a variety of drills at the 2022 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. He won running back of the week honors for the American team. The former Tide star showed off his excellent pass blocking ability in drills, shutting down former Georgia linebacker Channing Tindall on one play.
Robinson had a breakout season in the 2021-2022 campaign, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his five-year college career. His 1,343 yards on the ground led the Crimson Tide, while also finishing with 16 total touchdowns and 296 receiving yards. The Alabama native ended his Crimson Tide career with 2,704 total rushing yards and 29 total rushing touchdowns.
In joining the NFL ranks, Robinson becomes the 12th former Crimson Tide running back to get drafted in the National Football League, further establishing Nick Saban’s program as the nation’s preeminent running back factory.
The Washington Commanders begin their training camp on Wednesday, July 27th.
On3’s Chandler Vessels also contributed to this article.