Texas running back Robinson gives insight on the Longhorns
One athlete it seemed everyone wanted to talk to during the Big 12 Conference’s Media Days July 14 was Texas junior running back Bijan Robinson, the media’s selection as the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year after a remarkable 2021 season.
Robinson’s stats from last season speak for themselves: 1,264 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns on 213 carries to finish third in the conference. At one point, Robinson led the nation in rushing and was talked about as a Heisman trophy contender. While those comments are appreciated, Robinson views what he does on the field as a platform. In other words, playing football is something he does, not who he is.
“I don’t believe in pressure,” he said. “I do it for a higher being. My family raised me to be a respectful guy. I’ve always tried to be a great human being. Make somebody smile. You never know what people are going through. Taking pictures with people doesn’t get annoying. I think it’s important to put smiles on people’s faces.”
His personality and approach to life are reasons why Robinson signed a deal with Lamborghini Austin to drive one of the most sought-after automobiles on the planet. He said he drives the car on the weekends, noting it draws a lot of attention, and prefers to drive a truck during the week.
Of the goals he has for himself, the big one is being more vocal so his teammates can hear him, he said.
“Being a better leader,” he said. “The past two years, I’ve been very observant. The team needs to hear me, and they need to see more than me playing on the field. I need to be the guy who’s the vocal leader. Just watching film better. We can improve on that. I try to elevate my level of play.”
The vocal leader in the running back room is Roschon Johnson, the quarterback-turned-running-back athlete who made the change because it’s where he was needed. Now Johnson is being talked about as a dark horse draftee in the 2023 NFL Draft. Robinson talked about his relationship with Johnson and credits the senior for pushing him to be the best player he can be.
“He’s my big brother,” he said. “Learning from him has been super fun. He’s a huge leader. You’ll know what he has to say when he says it.”
Like head coach Steve Sarkisian, Robinson said quarterbacks Hudson Card and Quinn Ewers are vital and important parts of the team and both will be needed if the Longhorns are to accomplish their goals. He noted each has experiences that will help him while wearing the burnt orange.
“Hudson has seen a lot of things. Last year having highs and lows — he dealt with that. He’s become a better leader. It’s fun to watch and see him progress,” the running back said. “Quinn is still a young guy. He needs to learn and understand what he needs to do. Talking to him from a day-to-day basis, he’s being focused and dealing with expectations. There’s no pressure. This is what you have to do. Go out there and do what you do.”
He believes good things are coming and has faith people will be pleased by what they see.
“There’s obvious excitement around this team,” he said. “For me God has as plan for this team. We do it for Him. Being out there with those guys everyday, understanding chemistry in year two is night and day. We’re trying to do the best we can. It’s a day-and-night shift in year two.”
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