QB Robinette lands first offer

All Patton Robinette did in his only season as a starting varsity quarterback was lead Maryville, Tenn., to a state championship, complete 68 percent of his passes, throw only one interception and produce more than 2,700 yards of total offense.

"He did awesome," Maryville coach George Quarles said. "From the start of the year until the end, he probably improved as much as anyone we've ever had. He played well the entire year, but was better toward the end with just how comfortable he was and his decision making. I think he kind of grew into the position."

Not surprisingly, colleges are taking notice of the 6-foot-4, 200-pound junior.

On Monday, Arkansas State became the first school to offer.

"He was pretty excited," Quarles said. "Not excited enough to commit, though, but he was excited and I think that took away a little bit of the pressure."

Robinette also is hearing from Florida State, Notre Dame, Vanderbilt and Wake Forest. He recently attended junior day at Vanderbilt and is expected to check out Wake soon.

"I talked with [FSU assistant] Dameyune Craig last week, and they're very interested," Quarles said. "They've not offered yet, but they want to see him throw in person. That tends to be the big thing. I also heard from Notre Dame and they said they're very interested."

In 2009, Robinette played receiver and safety. Last year, he transitioned to quarterback and threw for 1,801 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 917 more yards as his team went 14-1.

"He's not going to run the 40 in 4.4 seconds, but he is athletic," Quarles said. "And he is versatile. That's what these [college] coaches have really liked about him. He's got great size, but he can also move around and is athletic. The fact he's not played a whole lot of quarterback leads you to believe there's a big upside."

Smarts apparently is another asset for Robinette.

"He's a very bright kid and is an excellent student," Quarles said. "He's right up there with a chance to be valedictorian."