Michigan football specialist returning for another season with Wolverines
Michigan football had the No. 1 ranked special teams in the country in 2021, and the Wolverines are getting a key piece back in punter Brad Robbins, who announced in a Twitter post he will return for his sixth year of college football. He redshirted in 2018 but has an extra year of eligibility due to the NCAA deeming the COVID-affected 2020 campaign a free season.
“I would like to thank God, my family and my coaches for the opportunity to play football at the University of Michigan,” Robbins wrote in his announcement. “My experience at this prestigious university has been a dream come true. I am thankful for the many learning experiences, challenges and opportunities I have faced as a Wolverine. I would also like to thank the entire support staff for everything they have done for me the past five years.
“Born and raised in the shadow of the Horseshoe in Columbus, Ohio, I have never felt more at home than being under the lights at The Big House.
“The journey is not over. I am fortunate enough to have a sixth year of eligibility. I have been given the unbelievable opportunity to achieve a master’s degree while continuing to perfect my craft and prepare for the NFL. I look forward to continuing my journey as a Wolverine next year as we build upon the culture of brotherhood, teamwork and success that we worked so hard to create.
“See you in The Big House next fall!”
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Robbins was an honorable mention All-Big Ten performer in 2021 and a semifinalist for the Ray Guy award, handed out to the nation’s top punter. He booted it away 45 times for an average of 46.3 yards and a long of 65 yards. He notched 17 pins inside the opponent’s 20-yard line and had 12 punts of 50-plus yards.
During the season, Robbins announced that he was punting for a greater cause. Inspired by his former coach and family friend who was fighting liver cancer and recently passed away, Robbins donated $25 of his own money for every punt inside an opponent’s 20 yard line and $25 for each boot that goes for 50 yards or more to the Rogel Cancer Center at the University of Michigan to make advancements in the fight against liver cancer.
The former No. 1 punter in the class of 2017 according to Korkblue Kicking, Robbins impacted right away as a freshman, earning All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition during the 2017 season. He redshirted in 2018, with Will Hart winning the job and earning the Big Ten Punter of the Year award, before playing sparingly in 2019. Then in 2020, he beat out Hart during the course of the season, punting 23 times for 1,041 yards with a long of 66 yards and a 45.3-yard average.
Robbins, fifth-year senior defensive end Taylor Upshaw and junior tight end Erick All have announced their returns to Michigan, while several other veteran players have opted to turn pro.
Watch for more developments on the Michigan roster at TheWolverine.com in the hours and days to come.
