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SPORTS

Jovon Robinson eager for A-Day, aims for 100 yards

James Crepea
Montgomery Advertiser
Jovon Robinson wants to rush for 100 yards on A-Day.

AUBURN – You'll have to forgive Jovon Robinson's eagerness, he's been waiting to suit up for Auburn for a long time.

The former 2012 Auburn signee, who was ruled ineligible after the discovery of one of his high school grades being altered by a counselor, is finally going to play in front of a crowd at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday.

It may only be a spring game but Robinson, who returned to the Plains with much hype after being touted as the top junior college running back in the country, is anxiously awaiting A-Day.

"I can't wait. I just cannot wait," Robinson said after a long pause and smile. "I plan on having a lot of fun and hopefully everybody else will have fun watching us."

In a scrimmage where teams care most about coming out healthy, Robinson has tangible goals.

"Me personally, I would love to run for 100 yards," he said. "I just feel like if I do, everybody's doing their job."

It's not ego talking and Robinson isn't getting ahead of himself. If either of his backfield brethren, Roc Thomas or Peyton Barber, had a big day it wouldn't bother him in the least.

The bravado is more about Robinson's standard for himself and his teammates, desiring success so badly he feels pressure to perform both because of his age and because of the hype surrounding him.

"I feel like right now it's probably the most pressure I've ever felt in my life," Robinson said. "But if you don't feel pressure you don't do your best. You don't be at your peak. I feel like the more pressure you have on you, the better you do."

It also would not be farfetched for Robinson to top 100 yards on A-Day as Corey Grant (128) and Cameron Artis-Payne (97) each had big games last year.

After rushing for 811 yards and five touchdowns in an injury shortened season at Georgia Military College last fall, Robinson arrived in December, got an early introduction to Gus Malzahn's offense, which he called "very detail oriented," during bowl practice and hasn't looked back since.

"He's a very football-savvy guy. He understands the game," Malzahn said. "(Bowl practices) really has helped him and he's done a good job."

Though he's expected to take over as Auburn's lead back following the departures of Artis-Payne and Grant, the competition with Thomas and Barber will last into the fall.

Robinson has adjusted well to his new, but yet old, surroundings.

"With all the hype and all that coming out of junior college," offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee said, "he comes right in and he's just blended right in with those guys."

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Running backs coach Tim Horton calls Robinson a "gym rat" and credits his willingness to work on his own time in the meeting room and weight room for his progress thus far.

"I think Jovon in his own little way is becoming a leader because he practices hard," Horton said, "and he's going to be a productive player."

Horton has coached a long list of dominant SEC backs and compares the 6-foot 230 pound Robinson to Artis-Payne and former Arkansas back Peyton Hillis.

"Cameron Artis-Payne spent a great deal of time trying to perfect his craft, trying to learn his trade, and Jovon's the same way," Horton said. "He's really picked it up and done well. He's certainly not there yet; but in terms of the work ethic, the attitude, the willingness to prepare and do the things you need to do to play, Jovon's been really good at that just like Cam was."

There will be no shortage of opportunities for Robinson and his fellow backs on Saturday, particularly if there is inclement weather.

He simply wants to deliver.

"Hopefully," Robinson said, "I can just show (I'm worthy of the hype)."