When Demarcus Robinson signed with Florida as a part of the 2013 recruiting class, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound receiver looked like he could make an instant impact in Gainesville. He was athletic, physical and a playmaker, something the Gators didn’t have at that position.

But 2013 didn’t go like it was supposed to. Robinson’s stats?

Seven games, five catches, 23 yards.

His talent was overshadowed by off-the-field issues. In just the Gators’ third game last season, Robinson found himself suspended for a violation of team rules. After registering just two catches against Vanderbilt later in the season, Robinson did not play the team’s final three games with the final two as a consequence for yet another suspension for violating team rules.

According to Will Muschamp, Robinson needed to “act right” going forward. And it seemed like he had. Several times throughout the spring and summer, Muschamp reiterated the progress Robinson was making as a player and as a person.

“He has done some fantastic things in the passing game,” Muschamp said back in the spring. He’s an explosive receiver. He’s a tough matchup one-on-one because of his size, his athleticism. He’s got really good ball skills down the field. We mature at different times. I think we’ve seen some strides there. I’ve been pleased to this point. There’s no question from matchup standpoint, he’s a guy that can do some things.”

Robinson’s strong offseason had him back on track and ready to contribute for the Gators and their new offense under Kurt Roper. That is until news broke Saturday that the receiver had been suspended once again for the season-opener. This time, it was for a “university sanction.”

No other details were given and the Gators were once again going to be without one of their most prized recruits from the 2013 recruiting class.

RELATED: Demarcus Robinson, two others reinstated for Eastern Michigan

In the end, the game was suspended, so Robinson never actually missed any playing time as he was reinstated by Muschamp following the weekend since the sanction had been resolved. Still, you have to wonder if Robinson will be able to stay out of trouble and if he’s really learned from his past mistakes.

History says no, but his quarterback says yes.

“I do honestly think Demarcus is a good guy,” Jeff Driskel said Tuesday. “Sometimes he’s made poor decisions in the past, but I think he’s matured a lot. He did everything he could to help the team out this past week, knowing he wasn’t going to play and that takes a mature guy to do that and not hang your head.”

Driskel added it’s just a part of the process of growing up and the transition from high school to college isn’t easy.

“It’s just another year of maturing. Coming out of high school is tough. It was the first time he was on his own and a lot of things thrown in his way in a short period of time,” Driskel said. “I think since last season he’s matured a lot and he’s going to continue doing so.”

Prior to the season, Robinson’s growth had been noticed by other teammates as well, saying Robinson had made “huge strides” in maturing off the field. Roper also vouched earlier today for Robinson’s effort.

“Demarcus has been great since I’ve been here,” Roper said. “He’s working to try and be a better person all the time.”

For fans, those are just words. They are still waiting to see Robinson’s actions – both on and off the field – prove that these words represent a true growth in the Fort Valley, Ga. native. Last week was a wash, so now the next opportunity for Robinson to prove himself will be this coming Saturday against Eastern Michigan.

“I think [Demarcus] going to help us out a lot this year,” Driskel said. “He’s a guy that we’re going to have to count on.”

For now, it’s up to Robinson to determine just how true those words will be.