Already well-known in Normal, Illinois, Robinson burst onto the national scene in 2006, and is considered by many to be the premier offensive prospect in the NCAA Division 1-AA ranks.
During his time at Rockledge High School, Robinson led the team to consecutive state championships (team posted consecutive 14-1 records, 2001-02). He earned all-state honorable mention, All-Space Coast first-team and all-conference accolades as a senior, coming up with 55 receptions for 903 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior. Those figures far surpassed his junior season, when he managed only 70 yards and a score on six catches. Robinson earned four letters each in football, basketball and track, earning starting jobs in basketball and football as a junior.
The high school teammate of Redbird defensive back Jesse Caesar, Robinson played in 12 games at Illinois State during his freshman year. He started six times, including the team's final five games, finishing with 19 catches for 260 yards (13.7 avg.) and three touchdowns.
Robinson started every game at split end for the Redbirds in 2004. He led the team with 44 receptions for 564 yards (12.0 avg.) and seven touchdowns, adding three solo tackles. His seven scoring grabs were the most by an Illinois State player since Vito Golson had eight in 2001.
2005 proved to be Robinson's breakout season. He was a consensus All-American and All-Gateway Conference first-team selection, as he led the NCAA Division 1-AA ranks in yards receiving per game (133.18) and was second nationally with an average of 7.82 receptions per game. Robinson shattered school single-season records with 86 catches for 1,465 yards (17.0 avg.), and his 12 touchdown catches rank second on ISU's annual record chart. He also recorded two solo tackles and caused a fumble. Only New Hampshire's David Ball (1,551 yards) gained more yards receiving in 2005 among Division 1-AA receivers.
Robinson was a major problem for Kansas State in the 2006 season opener, catching nine passes for 77 yards and two touchdowns before an illegal block by a KSU player on a fourth quarter kickoff return would sideline the All-American receiver with an ankle sprain. That injury would sideline single-season record holder for the next two games against Central Arkansas and Eastern Illinois. He proved how invaluable he was when he returned to the field against Murray State and amassed 121 of the team's 159 receiving yards on six catches with two scores.
However, in the next game against Southern Illinois, he re-injured his ankle and was forced to sit out the next two games. He returned to start the final five contests, finishing second on the team with 40 receptions for 718 yards (18.0 avg.) and seven touchdowns. He also rushed once for a 5-yard gain.
In 43 games at Illinois State, Robinson started 37 times. He gained 3,007 yards with 29 touchdowns on 192 receptions (15.7 avg.) and rushed once for a 5-yard gain. Robinson scored 188 points as he registered seven solo tackles with a forced fumble.
COMPARES TO: Laveranues Coles, New York Jets ... Like Coles, Robinson has that explosive running stride and acceleration to separate after the catch. Both are fearless catching in a crowd and show great sideline awareness, body control and loose hips to turn a short catch into a big play.
AGILITY TESTS: Campus: 4.44 in the 40-yard dash ... 310-pound bench press ... 37-inch vertical jump ... 32 1/4-inch arm length ... 9-inch hands ... Right-handed. Combine: 4.41 in the 40-yard dash ... 1.53 10-yard dash ... 2.5 20-yard dash ... 4.28 20-yard shuttle ... 11.45 60-yard shuttle ... 6.83 three-cone drill ... 39-inch vertical jump ... 10-foot-7 broad jump ... Bench pressed 225 pounds 19 times.
