Nick Saban reveals trait shared by Brian Robinson Jr., Mac Jones at Alabama Pro Day

Nick Saban had nothing but praise for Brian Robinson Jr. at the Alabama Pro Day. While speaking about the running back who shined for the Crimson Tide last season, Saban revealed a trait shared by Robinson and former quarterback Mac Jones.

“I always say that people having resiliency — which means they have persistence, they can overcome adversity, they don’t get frustrated, they learn from their feelings. These are all things that are critical to development. And I think Brian Robinson — as Mac Jones was last year — is a great example of a guy who kept his head down. Kept working. Showed great resiliency and perseverance,” stated Saban. “Continued to work on trying to improve. Whether it’s his speed, his knowledge of the game, his hands — whatever it was to make himself a better player to where he had a great year this year. Was very productive. Now has an opportunity to play at the next level.

“So, I think those are great stories. You know, to be told to most college players that stories like this, people have a tremendous amount of respect for. Guys that showed an ability to overcome adversity. To be able to have success. I think that’s something that, it’s hard to be a great competitor if you can’t overcome adversity.”

As you can see, Nick Saban believes Brian Robinson Jr. will make an NFL team very happy in the 2022 NFL Draft. After biding his time to takeover lead back duties at Alabama, it’s a given that Saban will use the stories of Robinson and Jones for years to come while preaching patience to his players.

More on Brian Robinson Jr., Alabama Crimson Tide

Furthermore, Robinson had an outstanding senior season at Alabama, taking 271 carries for 1,343 yards and 14 touchdowns, not to mention averaging 5 yards per rush as the Crimson Tide’s primary ball carrier. He also posted 35 receptions for 296 yards and 2 touchdowns through the air in 2021 to show off his versatility.

No other Alabama player had more than 350 rushing yards on the season — which means he’s someone that NFL coaches can trust with the ball in his hands.

“With me stepping in the building, I can pretty much bring anything to the offense as far as physicality, speed,” Robinson told reporters last month about adapting to the NFL. “I can pick up the blitz, whatever I need to do as far as a running back on the field. Any offensive unit, I can come and contribute and help. Protect the quarterback, pick up first downs, consistently gain positive yards, consistently keep the chains moving and also run out the backfield and be a decoy in the backfield and also catch the ball, too. I can pretty much do anything around the board.”

Most mock drafts have Robinson falling somewhere in the Day 2 range of this year’s draft, but those projections doesn’t do justice his athletic ability and the performances he’s capable of having. Sure, he doesn’t have the highlight reel tapes his former teammate Najee Harris has, but he’s as athletic as they come and has the potential to be a true third down back and pass protector in the league for years to come.

“I’m one of those backs who, I don’t want to be responsible for my quarterback on the ground, my quarterback getting sacked or a pressure on my quarterback,” Robinson said. “I don’t want to be responsible for that, so I take full responsibility for my pass protection. And I also try to be there to clean up if guys come free. 

“I’m not just thinking of my responsibility on play. I’m thinking about how I can protect the quarterback and keep the quarterback off the ground because in football things happen. Guys come free off the edge. Guys slip a block. You know, I always want to be available just to help.”