Move to OT could be big for TE

One of South Florida’s intriguing prospects is getting a new position for the 2003 season.

Miami Carol City’s Akeem Robinson, who played tight end as a junior, will make the shift to offensive tackle as a senior.

“The three schools who are recruiting me the hardest – Miami, Rutgers and Maryland – they all like me as a left tackle,” he said. “I don’t really get it. I’m only 260. But they say, don’t worry about it. We’re going to make you 300 when you get here, easily. They like my height and my wingspan. They told me I could be an All-American at left tackle, so that’s the position I’m focusing on now.

“It’s a challenge for me. I’m kind of learning on the run, but it’s been fun. I’ll do whatever it takes to help my team and my college chances.”

Robinson (6-5, 260, 4.9) has a scholarship offer from Rutgers. He’s also receiving interest from Michigan State, Oklahoma, N.C. State, Clemson and Florida, among others.

He camped at Rutgers and Miami this summer. At the Hurricanes’ camp, he earned the “Outstanding Effort Award.”

The Canes would seem to be a logical choice if a scholarship materializes, but Robinson says he’s not writing anyone off at this point.

“I’m staying open right now,” he said. “I don’t have a favorite.”

Academically, Robinson maintains a 3.0 GPA and has scored a 740 on the SAT. He’ll take the test again early this fall in hopes of improving his score.