Alabama product tabbed top running back at Senior Bowl practice

Alabama’s Brian Robinson was voted the top running back on the American team at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, director Jim Nagy tweeted.

Robinson had a breakout season in 2021, surpassing 1,000 yards rushing for the first time in his five-year college career. His 1,343 yards led the Crimson Tide, while the running back also finished with 16 total touchdowns and 296 yards receiving.

Robinson is currently the No. 8 running back in the NFL draft according to the rankings of CBS Sports. In an interview with the Tuscaloosa News, ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller explained why he is high on the Alabama product.

“I like Brian as a back,” Miller said. “It’s a deep running back class. I think the key for him here is seeing that runaway speed. Seeing his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield is so, so huge.” 

A Tuscaloosa native, Robinson was a four-star recruit and the No. 10 running back in the 2017 class according to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He chose to stay home and play for Alabama over offers from Georgia, Auburn, South Carolina and others.

He played a minimal role behind future NFL running backs Najee Harris and Josh Jacobs for his first four seasons. Still, he stuck with the program before finally getting his shot this past season. He ends his Crimson Tide career with 2,704 yards rushing and 29 touchdowns.

Robinson isn’t the only Alabama player to be invited to the Senior Bowl. Crimson Tide defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis is also a member of the American team. He was second on the team this past season with nine sacks, while also finishing with 53 tackles and a forced fumble.

The pair of Alabama players will hope for big performances to boost their stock for the NFL draft in April. Kickoff for the 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl is set for 2:30 p.m. ET Saturday at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama.