Jul 31, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Denard Robinson (29) takes the snap in the wildcat formation during the first day of training camp in pads at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
We are just days into NFL training camp, and Jacksonville Jaguars rookie “athlete” Denard Robinson is already having issues.
The former University of Michigan quarterback/running back/wide receiver was drafted (and subsequently signed) by the Jacksonville Jaguars into a “athlete” position (a la college recruiting), but his role with the team is very much in question. According to the Associated Press, Robinson’s role has been pulled back as a result of ball security (read: fumbling) issues. In fact, new head coach Gus Bradley was quoted as saying:
“We’ve got him more towards kickoff returns, some of the things he’s doing offensively. We’re taking some things off of his plate to see if that just frees up his mind a little bit more.”
That doesn’t sound like a ringing endorsement of Robinson’s field readiness, and it appears that maybe the former QB is having trouble adjusting a bit. It wouldn’t be a shock to see his field time limited, but in the “athlete” role, it was previously expected that he would see time as a wildcat QB, running back, wide receiver, and kick/punt returner.
Robinson is an undeniable talent, as evidenced by his nearly 4,500 rushing yards, but with his lack of pedigree as a pure ball carrier coupled with a low-risk contract, he could find his way out of any job he was penciled in for if he fails to protect the ball.
