Bijan Robinson runs a sub-4.5 in the 40-yard dash
Former Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson was the talk of the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine on Sunday, with all eyes on the former five-star back ahead of a day of drills, testing, interviews, and more. Robinson’s game speaks for itself, but plenty members of NFL front offices wanted to see what Robinson could do in the 40-yard dash before fully diving into the notion of the 2022 Doak Walker Award winner being worthy of a first-round selection.
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With an official time of 4.46 in the 40-yard dash, Robinson erased any doubt. By electing to run, Robinson opened himself up to potential questions. With a time like that, he provided all the answers.
In addition, his running back teammate Roschon Johnson ran a 4.58 40-yard dash as part of a solid day for the fan favorite.
Related: Updates from Johnson and Robinson’s day at the NFL Scouting Combine
Robinson became the fourth Texas running back to earn unanimous All-America honors along with James Saxton (1961), Earl Campbell (1977), and Ricky Williams (1997, 1998).
Robinson also won the 2022 Doak Walker Award, which is given to the nation’s best running back. He was also recently named a finalist for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award. Other honors Robinson earned for his 2022 campaign include a first-team All-Big 12 selection, and All-America status from The Athletic.
Robinson finished ninth in voting for the 2022 Heisman Trophy. He dazzled during his junior season, with over 100 total yards in all but one contest in 2022. He eclipsed 100 yards rushing in nine of 12 games. He scored 20 total touchdowns and led the nation in yards from scrimmage during his standout season.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian utilized Robinson as the bell cow back in 2022, even with Roschon Johnson on the roster. Robinson had over 20 rushes in nine games and over 25 total touches in five games. According to Pro Football Focus, he forced 104 missed tackles and rushed for 1,066 yards after contact.
He was a threat to defenses in multiple ways. In addition to his 1580 yards rushing, he caught 19 passes for 314 yards and two touchdowns during the Longhorns’ 12-game campaign.
For his career, Robinson rushed for 3410 yards and 33 touchdowns. He also caught 60 passes for 805 yards and eight touchdowns. He averaged 7.0 yards over his 599 career touches.
Johnson rushed 392 times for 2190 yards and 23 touchdowns during his four-year career. He was a fan favorite thanks to his leadership and selflessness, and is primed to be selected during the seven-round draft as a result of his strength, athleticism, intangibles, and rushing ability.
In school history, the Longhorns have had 352 players selected in the draft, which ranks 14th all time.
