SEC schools coming on strong for Robinson

A rising name in the Southeast recruiting circles is Memphis (Tenn.) Whitehaven defensive back Gene Robinson. Robinson has not shied away from competition throughout the spring, competing and performing well in every opportunity he could find, including the U.S. Army All-American Combine and the Tuscaloosa Nike Football Training Camp.

It looks as though all of his hard work and effort are beginning to pay off. Robinson recently picked up three SEC offers and his stock is on the rise.

"I got offered by Alabama and Ole Miss," Robinson said. "Alabama's is already here in the mail and the Ole Miss coach said his is on the way."

Along with Alabama and Ole Miss, Robinson also picked up an offer from an in-state SEC program in the Vanderbilt Commodores. That Vanderbilt offer and an Alabama phone call have had a strong impact on Robinson.

"Nick Saban calling my dad, that stood out," he said. "And Vanderbilt is an offer I've been waiting for a long time because it's a Tennessee school. I always liked the school. I was born in Nashville and both of my parents went to Tennessee State."

The Saban phone call came as a bit of a shock to the 5-foot-11 175-pounder.

"I was surprised that Nick Saban was actually calling my dad," he said. "I knew they liked me but I didn't know they liked me that much."

Though Robinson is still learning about the Alabama program, he got a glimpse of it while in Tuscaloosa for the Nike Training Camp.

"I went down for that Rivals camp. What I did get to see I liked. I'm going back in about two weeks for an unofficial visit. It's only about three hours away from the house."

Robinson's busy camp tour seems to be done but he hopes the offers won't stop coming. He is particularly hoping for the second in-state SEC program, Tennessee, to come through with an offer.

"I haven't decided on my deciding factors yet but the level of competition, and early playing time, that'll get a notch. Coaching staff and they also have to have my major. I'm majoring in computer engineering."

Robinson is clearly a player that knows what he wants on and off the field. He also knows what he wants out of his team in the 2008 season.

"We want to win a state championship and have our defense as number one in the state."