After a nice freshman year, the anticipation to how Trevor Robinson would perform during this spring season was one storyline that piqued a lot of interest throughout ND Nation.
Well, that anticipation fizzled quickly when Robinson was kept out of any contact this spring, presumably with some sort of undisclosed injury.
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Despite missing valuable reps this spring, Robinson figures to see plenty of minutes in the fall.
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After appearing in 11 games and starting three times for an injured Chris Stewart at right guard last season, it was clear that Robinson would be in the offensive line rotation again as a sophomore. The question that was supposed to be settled this spring was at what position?
Would Robinson compete with Stewart for starting right guard duties? Would he become a candidate for the vacancy at left tackle with Michael Turkovich gone? Or would he spend the season as a part-time player again?
With nothing to evaluate Robinson from this spring, those questions will remain unanswered until the fall. Even Charlie Weis was somewhat evasive when he was asked early in the spring where he expected Robinson to land.
“If Trevor is in the position that he's most comfortable at – at this point – it would be right guard,” Weis said. “So if he can beat Chris (Stewart) out at right guard, then he'll play right guard. If he can't, and he's one of our five best guys, I wouldn't be opposed to putting him in another position.”
That’s about all the feedback that was offered during the spring season.
Backing up a bit, Robinson wasn’t a typical offensive lineman that needed a ton of physical development out of high school. In fact, he looked the part the moment he arrived on campus as an early enrollee for the spring semester of 2008. At 6-foot-5 and more than 300 pounds, Robinson was well ahead of pace physically, and he proved to be hard to keep off the field.
Robinson is already only the fifth freshman ever to start on the Irish offensive line, joining an elite fraternity that includes teammate Sam Young, as well as former standouts Ryan Harris, Brad Williams, and Mike Rosenthal. Progress and improvement will be the next steps.
When Robinson finds a position and is able to secure a permanent spot in the lineup, the pride of Elkhorn, Neb., could emerge as one of the better offensive linemen the Irish have featured in several years.
What’s A Good Season?
It will start with just becoming more comfortable with his place in the rotation, and potentially the starting lineup.
Expect Robinson to battle Stewart for starting right guard duties this fall. But Stewart had a good spring while Robinson essentially didn’t have a spring, so it might be tough to dethrone the incumbent.
About the only other position where Robinson could potentially compete for a starting spot would be at left tackle. But again, Paul Duncan was one of the top surprises of the spring season at the position, so knocking the senior off the top of the depth chart could be tough for Robinson.
The most likely scenario for Robinson will be to split time with Stewart at right guard, similar to last season. Stewart’s stamina remains an issue, so a rotation where Stewart plays two series and Robinson the third series might be in the works.
Either way, a good season for Robinson will be to work and compete hard for a starting spot in the fall, and embrace whatever role he ends up with, all while being ready to fill in full-time if circumstances warrant.
As a sophomore, Robinson is well ahead of the learning curve for his career. How well he continues to stay out front will be the best measure to a good season, in whatever role he lands.
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