Xavier Robinson Ready to Work for Sooners

Players have picked the Sooners for any number of reasons. Be it their on field success, a position coach they love, or a track record of NFL production.

For many schools, in this era, NIL packages also come into the equation with great regularity. But one unusual catalyst? The tough as nails strength coach. But for Oklahoma’s latest running back commitment, Xavier Robinson, Sooners Director of Sports Enhancement and Strength and Conditioning Jerry Schmidt is a big part of his draw to Norman, Okla.

“It was really more of the feeling I got after I took a visit again. It really hit home, it felt like home, having a great relationship with the coaches. Especially with coach Schmitty, I can’t wait to get to work with when I graduate early in December,” Robinson explained. “I love coach Schmidt, it was after I took that OV, he helped me out, taught me some new stretches.”

While Schmidt is key he is far from the only notable Sooner staff member in the Midwest City (Okla.) Carl Albert recruitment. Though Murray is currently only in year No. 4 as a college coach, for SoonerScoop.com’s current No. 2 prospect in the state, it was all about how he related to his players.

“My relationship with the coaches and my relationship with coach (Demarco) Murray. I always tell everyone else, I’m not really looking at how experienced he is. It was really more watching him coach and how he teaches his guys in the run game. That stood out to me throughout my recruiting,” he said.

Robinson Ready to Focus on a State Title

Now that the choice is made Robinson is enjoying life and the ability to focus on his team, a team that has four other prospects holding Sooners offers.

“This all feels really, really good, it takes a lot of stress off, you’re not having to do half and half between recruiting and workouts. It really is a blessing,” he said.

One of those players is recent Carl Albert Titan transfer Kevin Sperry, who Robinson joins on the Sooners listed of committed prospects.

“Kevin is a really a great quarterback, throws very accurately, can run, and very mature at his age. He’s very mature on the field as well. I feel like it’s going to be great going into the next couple of practices, next few weeks and feel we’ll get better as a team,” he said. “I told him I can help him carry the load (laughing).”

And what are the odds that he will now become a recruiter to his three other teammates – Trystan Haynes, Marcus James, and Trynae Washington – now that he is no longer a recruit?

“Most definitely, we’re going to get this done,” he laughed.

Sooners Primary Competition Came from Notre Dame

Robinson took official visits to not only Oklahoma but also Notre Dame, Iowa State, and Oklahoma State. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound running back said that two schools really emerged for him down the stretch.

“It was Notre Dame and OU,” Robinson explained. “I didn’t really know much [about Notre Dame] but also coach (Deland) McCullough, he knew more about the game than (some other coaches). He showed me a better understanding of the game and how he taught guys. Coaches say I’m very coachable and I wanted to see how guys would teach me and I want to see how you are coaching me.”

In fact, down the stretch the Irish were pushing Oklahoma before Kedren Young chose the Irish.

“Once they weren’t taking another back that really made my recruiting easier, that helped me out,” he laughed.

Family and Coaches Let Robinson Run His Own Race

Robinson, buoyed by both his family as well as the Carl Albert coaching staff, came to his decision on his own. He knew that the

“They didn’t really tell me anything but they always told me to do what is best for you, make the best decision [for me]. That was really all there was to it. No one was selfish about my recruiting, my mom and coaches, even the players have relationships with all the different schools I was being recruited by,” he said.

And what does it feel like for a guy who used to watch Sooners games with his grandfather to be staring down a future in Norman?

“It’s really shocking for me, I went through so much adversity at a young age. My mom being a single mother of five. At first I never thought I’d be here, now that I am I’m going to take advantage of this opportunity and leave a legacy in this program.”

The post Xavier Robinson Ready to Work for Sooners appeared first on On3.