RTI recruiting contributor Landon Steffy is the author of this article
With the 2019 season a little less than two months away, Year Two under head coach Jeremy Pruitt is in full stride. Summer camps have been held, off-season workouts are going strong, and most importantly, recruiting is hitting on all cylinders as UT’s staff looks to add more pieces to their 2020 class. One of the Vols’ bigger targets along the offensive line recently put out his list of top schools, and Tennessee made the cut.
Per his Twitter account, Tennessee has made the list of top schools for massive offensive guard James Robinson from Montgomery, Alabama. Robinson plays for Carver High School and measures in at 6-foot-4, 327 pounds. Others schools that made his top eight along with the Vols include Auburn, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Mississippi State, Missouri, Nebraska, and Ole Miss.
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
James 4:6
It’s been a rollercoaster journey…but we’re just getting started..⏳#Top 8?#SHBAM2X pic.twitter.com/mQ2shxcGyV— James Robinson (@JamesRobinsonn_) June 30, 2019
Robinson is currently ranked as the No. 78 offensive guard in the 2020 class and comes in as the 56th-best recruit out of the state of Alabama. Despite the lower ranking, Robinson is a big target along the interior of the offensive line for several SEC schools.
Back in early June, Robinson visited Tennessee’s campus to attend a camp held by UT’s coaches. While there, he solidified the offer the Vols extended to him back in early March when he visited the first time, and he posted video of his camp with the Vols on his Twitter. That video is still his pinned tweet on his profile.
GOOD DAY ON ROCKY TOP YESTERDAY ?? ?I swear to dog backwards that imma god backwards… ???#REALGOON #GME @Madhousefit @Rivals @CoachJPruitt @CoachWillFriend @JohnGarcia_Jr @ChadSimmons_ @247Sports @TFootballGeek @Vol_Football pic.twitter.com/6wdNnDDTjN
— James Robinson (@JamesRobinsonn_) June 9, 2019
While offensive lineman aren’t credited for statistics, it’s easy to see why Robinson is coveted by several SEC schools by looking at his film. He has a very good size-to-strength ratio, and he’s able to hold his own with opponents. He’s also a very good bender, which is key for an offensive lineman because the low man almost always wins. He has a very good first punch and hand placement, often locking on to his opponent. He’s also very athletic and can move extremely well for his size. His footwork is solid. He’s definitely a little raw in areas and will need to trim down, but he’s a bruising lineman who has a lot to like.
Tennessee is very high on his list, and the Vols really like him as well. With Tennessee looking to add several offensive lineman particularly on the inside at guard and center for the 2020 class, Robinson will be a key recruit moving forward.
