Jordan Robinson, Division II DB Transfer, Commits to Kentucky

The BBN received an unexpected commitment Wednesday afternoon. Jordan Robinson, a 6-foot-4, 193-pound defensive back from South Carolina, announced he will attend the University of Kentucky.

After Praying and speaking with my family I’ve decided my final decision is to commit to the University Of Kentucky ! AGTG #BBN pic.twitter.com/DAhUwqCNlC

— Jordan Robinson‼️ (@R10Jordan) April 27, 2022

Who is Jordan Robinson and where did he come from? Excellent question.

Robinson Flipped to Kentucky in the Transfer Portal

Robinson entered the transfer portal this spring. After picking up some offers from the likes of EKU and Samford in the FCS ranks, Appalachian State entered the picture. He committed four days after the Mountaineers extended a scholarship. Oregon State became his first Power Five offer a week later.

It’s uncertain when the University of Kentucky began recruiting Jordan Robinson, although KSR believes this is the work of cornerbacks coach Chris Collins. UK’s pursuit of Robinson remained quiet until he announced his commitment to the Cats Wednesday afternoon. He’s the second addition to the secondary since the conclusion of spring practice, following Ole Miss transfer Keidron Smith.

Last year Robinson played for Livingstone College, a Division II school in Salisbury, North Carolina that finished the 2021 season 1-8. Robinson recorded 13 tackles, one interception and one pass break-up for the Blue Bears.

Brief Analysis

Today is the first time I’ve ever heard of Livingstone College or Salisbury, North Carolina. This might be the most random, bizarre, out-of-left-field addition in the ten years I’ve covered the Kentucky football program. With all that being said, the Cats need bodies in the secondary and this guy has the size Mark Stoops covets in cornerbacks. How will the former DII player transition to the SEC, who knows? But the Cats have a few scholarships to play with and it’s worth taking a gamble to improve the Kentucky pass defense.

Updated Info on Robinson

After doing some more digging on Robinson, his unusual path to UK makes more sense. Like 2022 signee Elijah Reed, Robinson initially played wide receiver in high school. He switched to defensive back as a senior, right when COVID-19 hit. The pandemic did not allow him to camp and capture the attention of high major college football coaches, eventually taking him to Livingstone.

The late bloomer started in every single game as a true freshman. Kentucky liked what they saw so much, they kept his recruitment quiet to keep the competition away. With three years of eligibility remaining, the Wildcats have a track record of developing JUCO cornerbacks. Two started in the NFL last year, Lonnie Johnson and Brandin Echols. Kentucky hopes Robinson is the next in line.