On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: New leader for 5-star TE Duce Robinson

Phoenix (Ariz.) Pinnacle tight end Duce Robinson is the lone unsigned five-star recruit in the 2023 cycle as go deeper into March.

The multi-sport star is also an elite baseball prospect and has been largely considering three schools over the past few months: Georgia, Texas and USC.

While he was originally expected to sign by February 1, Robinson ultimately postponed his decision as he mulled those three schools, as well as his potential MLB Draft status.

Last month, Robinson said he had set a deadline for himself to make a decision by April 1, and that date is looming at the end of the month.

With just a few weeks left to go, a new team has emerged as the leader to land him in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM). USC now holds a 49.4 percent chance of securing his commitment, with Georgia (37.3%) trailing behind.

The Trojans were once considered the strong favorites to land Robinson, but both Georgia and Texas made strong pushes over the past six months, with Georgia grabbing momentum late in the cycle and looking like the likely destination.

However, Robinson likes the fit he could have in USC’s offense and also the proximity to his family in California and ability to train in Los Angeles for his baseball career.

Robinson is the No. 23 overall prospect in the 2023 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He ranks as the nation’s No. 1 tight end and the top recruit in Arizona.

Duce Robinson Scouting Summary

“Jumbo athlete with a large catch radius who looks like one of the better tight end prospects over the last few recruiting cycles. Has plus stature and length at over 6-foot-6 and around 225 pounds with a 6-foot-10 wingspan. Plays and moves like a wide receiver at that size. A quick mover who showed continued improvement in top-end play speed as a junior and senior. Lines up on the outside and separates from defensive backs on vertical routes. Boasts a large catch radiuses with the ability to win in contested situations. Has also shown the ability to track the ball over his shoulder.

… Was the top pass-catcher at the Opening Finals prior to his junior season and created a considerable mismatch over the middle of the field. Turned in a very productive junior season with close to 1,000 receiving yards. Capped off his high school career with a big senior campaign, catching 84 passes for 1,614 yards and 14 touchdowns while leading his team to a state title appearance. Has an outstanding multi-sport profile as one of the nation’s top baseball prospects and also plays basketball. Will need to continue getting stronger to aid in blocking. While physically gifted and highly productive at the high school level, should see an uptick in overall polish and consistency with added focus on football.”