DUBLIN — Senior Jonathan Robinson capped his high school athletic career at West Bladen by verbally committing to play his collegiate football at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke on Wednesday.

Robinson, who anchored the Knights’ line on both sides of the ball at 6 feet, 3 inches and 270 pounds, was also West Bladen’s captain. He recorded 66 total tackles on defense his senior season, 33 solo and 27 assisted, as well as had 3.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries.

He leaves some big shoes to fill for the Knights.

”He was a major leader for us,” said West Bladen head coach Kris Williams. “Jonathan is an outstanding young man of high character. I’m extremely proud and happy for him.

“I’ve had the pleasure of coaching him since he was a freshman and we’re going to miss him,” he added. “I can’t count the number of times this past season I’ve told someone I wish we had three or four more of him.”

Robinson said he also considered both Wingate and Elon, but was pretty much set on playing for the Braves of UNCP right from the start.

“I love the atmosphere for both football and academics,” he said. “I knew as soon as I stepped on the campus it’s where I wanted to go.

“Plus it’s close so my parents can come to see me play,” Robinson added.

Robinson will be a redshirt walk-on his freshman year, but is hoping to compete for a starting spot the second year — either on the offensive or defensive line. Williams said that if his former player works as hard as he did at West Bladen, he should get plenty of playing time.

“I don’t know what UNCP’s depth situation is … I do know Jonathan is capable of playing immediately and I’m sure he’ll compete,” Williams said.

Robinson, who is the son of Tito Robinson and Stephanie Freeman, plans to pursue a degree in exercise science. He has also played varsity basketball and baseball at West Bladen.

UNCP football finished the 2017 season with a 2-8 record under fourth-year head coach Shane Richardson. The Braves are an independent Div. II team.

W. Curt Vincent can be reached at 910-862-4163 or cvincent@bladenjournal.com.

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West Bladen senior gridder tobe redshirt walk-on freshman

W. Curt Vincent

Bladen Journal