Richmond, VA – At 6′ 3″, 238 lbs., it’s not hard to see why the Washington Redskins’ coaches are excited about third-year linebacker Keenan Robinson (University of Texas). Although he missed the end of his rookie campaign in 2012 as well as the entire 2013 campaign with torn left and right pectoral muscles, he still shows a lot of promise.
The guy that Robinson could possibly replace is long-time leader and sure-to-be-Hall-of-Famer London Fletcher. “Replace” is strong word that will not be taken lightly around the Redskins’ brass. Players with Fletcher’s talents and durability come once in a lifetime to most coaches. Robinson has already missed a season-and-a-half and Fletcher only missed one game in his entire 16-season career.
The middle linebacker position in the NFL is one of the most demanding, both physically and mentally. “Mike backers” must be able to read schemes as well as make adjustments on the fly. For Redskins’ defensive coordinator Jim Haslett to entrust a young player like Robinson with calling defensive plays from the field in a position that he never played in college speaks volumes about what he believes the young athletic player can be.
Washington’s defense was a much maligned group last year as it gave up massive yards and points in a disappointing season filled with injuries and broken schemes. In order for the team to rebound, young players such as Robinson and the newly drafted linebacker/defensive end Trent Murphy will need to step up and help build this unit into a more athletic, play-making bunch.
Robinson is up for the challenge.
“I’m feeling pretty good man,” he told me after the morning practice. “It’s all coming back to me. Obviously OTA’s and mini-camp was good for me, but now it’s the real deal. Training camp is here and now it’s starting to get real down to business now.”
I asked him about possibly being the guy next to linebacker Perry Riley, Jr. and how it feels to be a young guy out there who is really an unknown commodity.
“Yeah, I obviously feel like I have something to prove and I know that,” he answered. “It’s always in the back of my mind and for me it’s fun because of the challenge I need to meet. For me, it’s proving those guys wrong who say I can’t [start] everyday… proving the coaches right for making the right choice sticking by my side through the injuries; and for me to just go out there and showing what I can do and why the redskins drafted me.”
Asked whether or not the job his to lose, he gave a very humble answer.
“Right now I’m just trying to do my best,” Robinson said. “It’s hard because we have a great group of guys… a great group of linebackers they brought in to help challenge and push for the number one spot. So for me, I’m just taking my reps, taking every play by play and just trying to put my best foot forward. So when the end of the day comes… …there’s no question I should be a starter.”
The former Longhorn seemed confident and it was quite obvious that he has spent some time in the weight room. He has sculpted his body to fit the rigors that the position will hold… should he be named the starter.