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Union’s Robinson following in the fleet footsteps of family

Union’s Robinson following in the fleet footsteps of family

Written: Oct 17, 2012
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By Joe Sager

New Castle News

It was just a matter of time for Drew Robinson.

The Union High senior, one of the county’s top running backs, was due for a breakthrough game. The focus of opponents’ defensive game plans, Robinson’s impact was contained for the first half of the season.

That trend continued its reversal Saturday when he erupted for 215 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries to pace the Scotties to a 33-7 win in a WPIAL Class A Big Seven Conference showdown at Shenango.

The performance earned him Lawrence County Athlete of the Week honors, an award sponsored by Washington Centre Physical Therapy and selected by the New Castle News sports staff.

“I can’t put it all on myself. My line did a really good job and the receivers downfield blocking did well. It was a big team effort, so you can’t really just give me all the credit,” he said. “The thing about this year, we have a lot of playmakers. The last few games, people were keying on me and then other people would make big plays. (Saturday), they couldn’t just key on me and I exploded.”

The target on Robinson’s back has benefited his teammates, who are capable of producing plenty of damage for Union (4-2 conference, 5-2 overall).

“Usually each week, it’s been someone else stepping up and coming to the forefront. It’s nice to have that luxury. You can only play with one football, but I need about four or five of them,” said Union coach Stacy Robinson, Drew’s father. “Actually, I won’t say I am surprised at Drew’s game, but it was the type of game I expected him to have this year. It was just a matter of time before he broke out and had one like that.”

Drew’s performance came at a key time in the season as Union is challenging for a postseason berth.

“As his father, I am sure he’s heard my sermons over the years, but I always say you have to be able to answer the bell in the tough times,” Stacy Robinson said. “Everybody can steer the ship when the sea is calm, so to speak. When the waves start crashing up, that’s when you have to produce. He produced Saturday night.”

Drew Robinson began to break loose two weeks ago with 141 yards on 13 carries. He’s moved up to fourth in the county rushing rankings with 746 yards despite carrying the ball 87 times, or about 13 attempts per game.

“I like it. It takes the load off me a lot,” he said. “I don’t feel like I have to do more than I have to because someone else on the team can break one at any time.”

He cites an unusual Christmas present for helping him find another gear this season.

“The biggest thing about this year is my speed,” Drew Robinson said. “My brother bought me a 30-pound weighted vest for Christmas. So, I’d always wake up and go running with that on. It helped me to not get caught when I break a long run.”

Stacy Robinson is pleased with the team’s progress, but hopes the Scotties can keep it going and get into the postseason for the first time since 2003.

“Drew has worked hard in the offseason. Football is not a hobby to him; it’s a job. He wants to be a football player and go off to college and play. So far, he’s on the right track. I am proud of him. But, we still have work ahead of us,” he said. “Playoffs are a goal we’ve had since the start of the season, but, don’t get me wrong, we don’t just want to make the playoffs, we want to get in and see how we stack up against other people.”

*****

THE DREW ROBINSON FILE

POSITION: Running back/Defensive Back

TEAM: Union

GRADE: 12

KNOWN FOR: Robinson rushed for 215 yards on 13 carries. He had touchdown runs of 73 and 48 yards in Union’s 33-7 win at Shenango.

PARENTS: Stacy and Tina Robinson

FAVORITE PRO PLAYER AND WHY: Darrelle Revis, New York Jets. “My dad went to college with his dad. He is kind of a close friend of the family. I’ve always wanted to be like him.”

FAVORITE PRO TEAM AND WHY: Pittsburgh Steelers. “They are the hometown team. You have to like them.”

FUTURE PLANS: Robinson would like to attend college and play football. “I plan on attending college and playing football. My dad played football at IUP and my cousin and brother played college football. It’s like a family tradition and I want to try to continue that. ”

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