Five-star receiver says Florida now leads
LAKELAND, Fla. – Clemson’s reign as the frontrunner to land five-star wide receiver James Robinson is, at least for a time, over.
On Friday, the Lakeland High School star named Florida as his leader. And while Robinson says the change at the top had to do with the actions of both the Gators and Tigers, Florida has been inching its way upward for months.
The switch was hardly sudden. A recent school visit from UF coaches, it seems, was simply the tipping point.
“Ever since Torrian Gray got there, it’s been different with them,” Robinson said. “They have been coming hard since he got there. That’s the biggest difference.”
Robinson is interested in visiting Michigan State in addition to trips to Florida State and Clemson. And while the Gators lead his recruitment with Clemson sitting in second place, there are other schools with which the five-star prospect remains in frequent contact.
“There’s a couple schools I like,” Robinson said. “There’s, like, Georgia and Michigan. Miami is coming hard, but I don’t know on them.”
WHAT’S NEXT: Robinson will likely take official visits to Clemson and Florida this fall. His other three destinations for such trips remain unknown. Michigan State seems like it may insert itself in the running, as Robinson seems to enjoy the Spartans’ staff and is friendly with Florida-native and current Michigan State cornerback Kaleel Gaines.
IN HIS WORDS: “Florida just tell me they want me to stay focused in school and do all the right things in and out of school,” Robinson said. “That’s the last thing we really talked about, but we talk a lot of football too.”
RIVALS REACTION: As long as Torrian Gray remains at Florida, the Gators have to be seen as the frontrunner to land Robinson. Clemson is certainly not totally eliminated from the running, but the longer Robinson’s recruitment goes without a commitment, the better news it is for the Gators. Georgia and Michigan State are seen as darkhorse candidates to make a move with Robinson this fall.