Kenny Robinson wowed fans and citizens of St.Louis last Sunday when he made his first career interception and the Battlehawks’ first interception as a team as he leapt several feet into the air and snatched New York Guardians quarterback Matt McGloins’s pass right out of the air. It was an amazing sight as Robinson celebrated with teammates in the back of the endzone and the crowd erupted. That was a big deal for Robinson for many reasons.
Kenny Robinson isn’t your average fringe NFL player that came to the XFL as a last attempt to be successful in the business of professional football. Robinson was a standout safety at West Virginia University. Robinson went to high school at University Prep in Pittsburgh, PA where he was heavily recruited by a few power five colleges. He was listed as an athlete and didn’t have one true position as he could play all over. Robinson didn’t get recruited by the likes of Alabama, Clemson, and LSU but he was a solid prospect, ranked in the top eight hundred in the country, and was slated as a three-star recruit. Iowa State, Cinicinnati, Pittsburgh, and West Virginia were the schools on him the most. After an extensive process Robinson committed to West Virginia where he would begin his collegiate career.
As a freshman at West Virginia Robinson came in and made an immediate impact logging 3 interceptions and 46 total tackles. The coaches liked what they saw. In Robinson’s sophomore season he made a huge leap. He started all twelve games that year and finished with 77 total tackles and 4 interceptions as well as 2 defensive touchdowns and earned All-BIG12 defensive back honors. Robinson started to get NFL buzz. Well renowned prospect rating site ProFootballFocus even dubbed Robinson as the toughest safety to pass against in the BIG12.
Unfortunately, Robinson was disciplined by the team the following off-season for violating the code of conduct policy. For that reason, Robinson decided to enter the transfer portal to start fresh elsewhere but due to the NCAA rules, Robinson would have to sit out a year wherever he chose to go and he knew that going in but he figured it would be the best route for him. Things started to get worse for Robinson as his mother was diagnosed with cancer while he was considering new schools. This caused a change in plans.
Robinson wasn’t sure what he wanted to do now. Meanwhile, a new league was forming known as the XFL where anyone with football experience that was good enough to play could tryout for the league and get paid. So, with nowhere else to go, Robinson gave the XFL a shot as an attempt to elevate his skills and showcase himself as an NFL-caliber talent. The Battlehawks selected Robinson with the 39th overall pick in the XFL draft.
Robinson at 21 years old looks like one of the best defensive backs in the league and is playing with a chip on his shoulder. Even head coach Jonathan Hayes has spoken highly of the young star.
"He’s athletic. He’s got great range. He’s got great ball skills. He’s a smart kid, understands the game, very instinctive. Those are the things that you dream for with a safety. He’ll come up and put you on the ground."
Robinson knows why he’s here and looks to make the most of his opportunity. The Battlehawks were very fortunate to have landed him and fans should enjoy him as he most likely won’t be here long. Robinson came to the XFL with college eligibility left so he is eligible for the NFL draft next year and that’s what he has his eyes set on. Robinson is an NFL-level player that fell right into the hands of the Battlehawks and is one of the key reasons St.louis has been blessed with a great football product so far. St.louis should embrace Robinson as Robinson has embraced St.Louis as his last chance to achieve his dreams and help his family.