Michael Robinson is not your average NFL running back. Standing only 6-foot-1 and weighing in at 218 pounds, he is not the most intimidating individual in the locker room. However, when he straps on the pads something changes. As the experts say, he "plays bigger than he is." Much bigger. You see, Robinson lives for contact. When he sees a defender coming at him, he does not shield himself to protect against a big hit. Instead, he turns the table on the defender and attacks. And the result is usually extraordinary.Robinson, or "M-Rob," as he is affectionately referred to by the 49er faithful, is responsible for two of the most devastating hits I have ever witnessed....and both times he was the ball carrier. First there is the goal-line play against Brian Dawkins that was shown over and over on 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey black jersey
Sportscenter last week. Nearly everyone who watches football has seen that play.This quote from Sunday pretty much sums it up: "I just wanted to get in the end zone," said Robinson. "I told my offensive linemen, 'Put a hat on everybody, and if there's one left, we'll get in there.'"The other play, however, is not too well known to people who are unfamiliar with Robinson's college career. In a game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during his senior year at Penn State, the former QB dropped back to pass, side-stepped the rush, rolled to his right and laid an absolutely devastating blow on Golden Gophers safety Brandon Owens...then he looked down at the carnage he had created like Muhammad Ali standing over Sonny Liston as the crowd in Happy Valley erupted in a chorus of cheers.For those who have not seen this play, allow me to bless you with this YouTube video!During his time at Penn State, Robinson lined up at quarterback, running back, slot back and receiver, and amassed 5,168 total yards of total offense along with 46 touchdowns. As a senior, his 3,156 total yards and 28 touchdowns carried the Nittany Lions to an 11-1 record and an Orange Bowl victory over the Florida State Seminoles. As impressive as they are, his statistics do not accurately reflect just how valuable he was to his team. According to the 49ers' official Web site, Robinson was so highly regarded by his Penn State teammates and coaches that they gave him serious consideration for captaincy...during his freshman year.The 49ers selected Robinson with the third pick in the fourth round of last April's draft. Though "M-Rob" was an effective quarterback in college, many teams had talked about turning him into a receiver in the NFL. San Fran head coach Mike Nolan, however, decided to try him out at running back to take advantage of his hard-nosed running style.Throughout training camp Nolan was continually impressed with Robinson's attitude and toughness. His ability to pick up the offense and adapt to his new position earned him a good deal of playing time in the preseason, where he proved to the coaches that he could be effective in the backfield if given the chance. It wouldn't take him long to get it.When starting running back Frank Gore went down with an abdominal strain against the Eagles last Sunday, Robinson's opportunity arrived and he made the most of it. Despite seeing limited action in the first two games of the season, Robinson was more than capable, rushing for 29 yards on five carries, two of which were 1-yard touchdown plunges. Not to play the "if" game, but if you take away his two carries for two yards, you're left with three carries for 27 yards -- a nine-yard per carry average...I'm just saying.After making the most of 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
his opportunity against the Eagles, Robinson will look to get many more touches as the weeks go on. Coach Nolan has already said Robinson would likely be his short-yardage/goal-line back from now on, but don't be the least bit surprised to see him line up in a few regular situations to see what he can do. He is eager to play, and wants the ball in his hands when it matters.Finally, with Robinson rotating in and out of the backfield with Gore, the 49ers can open up an entirely different part of their offense: trickery. If they're playing a team with an aggressive secondary that has consistently attacked the run throughout the game, in comes Robinson and the Niners run a halfback pass. A former quarterback lining up in the backfield? That's a good way to keep a defense honest. Not your average NFL running back, indeed. Strap yourselves in, Niner fans. It's going to be a heck of a ride.
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