Irish in strong with Alabama DB

Four schools find themselves perched atop the list of favorites for one of Alabama’s top prospects in the Class of 2004.

Tuscaloosa Hillcrest defensive back Travis Robinson has seen his stock rise this summer, drawing offers from Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Clemson and Vanderbilt as well as high interest from the school which may ultimately be his leader.

“Notre Dame has been showing me a whole lot of interest,” he said. “The last time I talked to them, they told me that coach Willingham wanted to speak with me the next time he got a chance to call. I think they’re going to offer me at that point.

“It would be really hard for them to get beat out if they did offer. I love their program.”

How did a player from the Deep South – Tuscaloosa, no less – become such a fan of the Fighting Irish?

“I just always enjoyed watching them on TV and following their program,” Robinson said. “Their tradition is second to none. I also like the coaches they have there now and how much education is stressed. That’s important to me.”

Alabama, Auburn and LSU round out his list of favorites, and each has a decent chance if he chooses to stay closer to home.

“I grew up a fan of Auburn,” he said. “They’d probably be up there with Notre Dame. They have a great coaching staff. I really liked them when I went for their two-day camp. I was there for the Nike camp, too. I like the facilities a lot. They think I could come in and compete for playing time as a freshman. That would be great. Also, I know a lot of the players there real good. I’d feel like I fit in.

“Alabama is here only five minutes away, and they’ve moved up on my list since coach Shula came in. I wasn’t really considering them before that, but he seems real cool. I like the new DB coach, too. They have great tradition like Notre Dame. I want to play somewhere that has a strong winning tradition and will compete for a championship.

“I like LSU because of the coaches. The DB coach and coach Saban are really nice,” he said. “They’ve been recruiting a lot of great players. I think they’re going to be real good in the future.”

Robinson has attended camps at Auburn, Clemson and Alabama. He’ll visit Mississippi State next week.

As a junior, he recorded 43 tackles and five interceptions.

Academically, he maintains a 3.0 GPA and has scored an 18 on his ACT.