Alabama Football Brian Robinson wins starting job one week after NFL debut
Former Alabama football running back Brian Robinson Jr. made his first NFL start in the Washington Commanders’ exhibition loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, 24-14.
Finishing the game with eight carries for 31 yards, Robinson is pressuring his contemporaries, Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic, to cement his place in the starting lineup. The lone bright spot of the game for the Commanders in their loss was the potential of Robinson.
With the first team offense, running back Brian Robinson Jr. got eight carries for 31 yards while Antonio Gibson got one for a loss of one yard and one target in the passing game, which fell incomplete. Clear separation, and if J.D. McKissic is healthy, that target is his.
— David Harrison (@DHarrison82) August 20, 2022
Drafted 98th overall in the third round, Robinson impressed coaches in OTAs, minicamps, and training camp. A power runner who wears downs defense, Washington drafted Robinson to compliment the speedy Gibson. The Commanders’ running backs coach, Randy Jordan compared him to former Washington 1,000-yard rushers, future Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson, and hard-nosed Alfred Morris.
BUILT BY ALABAMA FOOTBALL
In Robinson’s first pro game, the 228-pound rookie running back racked up 26 yards and a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers, increasing message board chatter that he could win the starting job with Gibson struggling with only 2 yards on 4 carries.
Brian Robinson is the #Commanders' best ball-carrier. It's not close. I like Gibson. He's a good player and he'll help them this year.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) August 20, 2022
But Robinson should be their RB1.
Watching Robinson flourish in the National Football League after five years in Tuscaloosa is no surprise. Alabama football head coach Nick Saban’s infatuation with talented big bruising backs to anchor his offense makes the Crimson Tide a prime destination for great running backs.
Robinson bided his time at the Capstone behind NFL starters Najee Harris, Josh Jacobs, and Damien Harris. When he received his opportunity, the redshirt senior rushed for 1,343 yards and led the Crimson Tide to the national championship game.
Alabama Football is an NFL running back pipeline, placing esteemed running backs in the league. It is great for former Tide RBs and it shows college recruits that “Built By Bama” is legit.