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When No. 11 suited up for the Florida Gators this past weekend, everyone knew the talent he had, but no one had seen it displayed on the field in a Gator uniform yet.
Until Saturday.
Sophomore wide receiver Demarcus Robinson enjoyed what might as well have been his Florida debut. After dealing with several off-the-field issues during his freshman season, this was finally his first real opportunity to have an impact. And he did just that.
Robinson caught six passes for 123 receiving yards and one touchdown, thanks in large part to a 70-yard touchdown reception that came on a pretty deep ball from true freshman quarterback Treon Harris.
Check out every single one of his catches from Saturday’s game.
The best part about Robinson’s highlight reel from Saturday? You get to see all of the skills he has that can make him a game-changer in this offense.
With his first catch, you get to see Robinson operate in space and finish with a nifty juke of the Eastern Michigan cornerback on his way to picking up an extra seven yards.
On the third catch, he shows off more of his athleticism as a four-yard curl route covered by two defenders turns into a 12-yard gain thanks to a quick change of direction by Robinson.
Then on his final catch, you see the full package – route running, speed, athleticism and strength.
Offensive coordinator Kurt Roper believes Robinson’s athleticism gives him the ability to adjust to any sort of throw sent his way.
“He’s got the ability to extend high, low, wide or whatever to make plays,” Roper said. “He’s a guy that can truly make plays with his hands. He doesn’t need his body to make plays, so every throw we’re trying to make we really try to put it right in the receivers throat as much as we possibly can, but that’s not always going to happen. He’s got the ability to go get it when it’s not.”
When Robinson signed in 2013, much was expected out of him, even as a freshman. Now that his off-the-field issues are behind him, the expectations still remain for the sophomore. If his first game this season was of any indication, he’s got the ability to meet and possibly exceed those expectations.
For Robinson, it was the missed playing time last season that was the worst part about his troubles, especially when he knew he could have helped contribute to a struggling offensive unit. This season, it’s all smiles from Robinson, who envisions similar highlights in The Swamp later this season.
“I was very excited for my first touchdown in The Swamp,” he said. “Hopefully there’s more to come.”
Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.
