Kevin Robinson Player Spotlight
Kevin Robinson feels at home in Logan and that’s a good thing. After all, his game-winning touchdown reception against his hometown Fresno State Bulldogs on Oct. 7 may have caused some hard feelings back in California.
“I have a friend that plays for Fresno State. He didn’t really want to talk to me after the game,” Robinson said with a smile. “He was kind of mad that they didn’t get the win because they thought they were going to beat us, but I told him it was just our day; you can’t hate us for that.”
Those familiar with Robinson were not surprised by the play. They know that when the ball is in his hands, something special might happen.
Robinson has been a threat on the field ever since he first picked up a football in the fourth grade. His versatility and athleticism allowed him to play on both sides of the ball.
“I started off as a cornerback, and then they started playing me a lot as a receiver and safety as well,” Robinson said. “It was hard for me to decide if I liked playing offense or defense more. I didn’t get big like all the other kids, so they just kept me at receiver and cornerback and that’s where I stayed at.”
Robinson attended Hoover High School in Fresno, Calif., where he thrived in a variety of sports. He helped lead the basketball team to the Division-II valley championship game. He competed in track and reached the state finals in the triple jump. In football, Robinson was a two-time, first-team, all-league selection as a defensive back, while also racking up 1,214 yards and 14 touchdowns as a wide receiver.
Robinson has put together an equally impressive resumé during his three years at USU. He has accounted for 3,460 all-purpose yards and scored 18 touchdowns through 28 games, and has done it in a variety of ways.
He made a name for himself as one of the deadliest punt returners in the nation. His 22.5 yards per return average as a freshman finished second in the NCAA in 2004. His abilities as a receiver have haunted defensive backs from around the country.
Robinson also brings many things that can’t be seen on a stat sheet. His teammates feed off his confidence and look to him as a source of leadership. The final drive of the Fresno State game, when Robinson promised his teammates in the last huddle that he would deliver, is a perfect example.
“I told the offensive line that if they gave Riley (Nelson) good protection, it was going to be a touchdown and we would get out of there with a win,” Robinson said.
When asked what his favorite moment has been as an Aggie, Robinson didn’t even hesitate to answer.
“I would have to say my first touchdown,” Robinson said. “A lot of people would guess my answer would be the Fresno State game, but you can’t get a better feeling than your first touchdown. To come into your very first game and catch a ball and run it in for a 35-yard touchdown against Alabama, one of the best teams, you can’t take that away from anyone.”
Off of the field, Robinson enjoys spending time with his two younger cousins playing video games. And what is his game of choice?
“I want to go get that Tiger Woods game, but my funds are kind of low,” Robinson said. “I might have to call my mama and hopefully she can get me a little bit of money so I can get it.”
Whatever the future holds for Robinson, one thing is for certain: football will be a part of it.
“It would be nice if I could go to the NFL, but if not, I plan on moving back to California and I’ll help out with my high school team,” Robinson said.