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Ole Miss DE Tavius Robinson sees good things on defense in spring

Chuck-Rounsavilleby: Chuck Rounsaville04/05/22
Tavius Robinson
Ole Miss defensive end Tavius Robinson

A black jersey at a football practice signifies injury, but senior defensive end Tavius Robinson, who has been wearing that tint all of spring, has a smile on his face when discussing his situation.

Why? Because he thinks everything is going to be OK soon, and at least by the time the season rolls around.

“I had surgery after the Sugar Bowl to clean up some issues in my knee, but it already feels way better than it did last year, meaning the surgery went well and I’m on my way back,” the Canadian transplant noted. “I think I will be back before the end of spring.”

Tavius said last year was a struggle – knee-wise.

“To be honest, I played at probably about 85% last year and I had this cumbersome brace on it,” he continued. “It feels great now though.”

Tavius is dressing out for practices in full gear and he is participating in the non-contact drills.

“I’m doing all the indy (individual) drills, but no contact yet,” he explained. “I’m getting my work in sharpening my skills, which is what I need the most.”

Robinson is excited about the front seven on defense. In fact, it’s almost like elation.

“We are so locked in and growing right now. You really stand out if you don’t reach the new standard expected because everyone is reaching that plateau,” said Tavius, a 6-6 265-pounder. “We are all bonding and doing what the coaches are wanting us to do which has allowed us to play fast and physical.”

Of the “new guys” up front, Tavius has been impressed with “all of them.”

“Khari (Coleman), J.J. (Pegues), Austin (Brown), Jared (Ivey) – all of those guys are locked in and have done a great job in the meeting room and in getting acclimated to everything,” Tavius stated. “I love the competition. It makes us all better.

“Me and Ivey work every day after practice, talking after practice. We are alike – the same height and close to the same weight, so we are working off each other and making each other better. It’s all good,” he noted. “It’s all love for sure.

“We all want to break Sam’s (Williams) sack record, but he was a great player for us. He was in Oxford the other day and he was showing us some of the things he learned at the combine. He wants us to break his record too.”

Spring is the time to develop leaders and leadership roles. Who is popping up as leaders on defense?

“Lots of guys. Cedric (Johnson) comes to mind on the D-Line,” Tavius assessed. “A.J. (Finley), Otis (Reese), Tysheem (Johnson) and some others. We are not going to be lacking for leadership on defense.”

For Tavius Robinson, black is the new red/navy/powder, but it won’t be that way for long and he’ll be ready when it’s his turn to cut loose.

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