5-star TE Duce Robinson weighing MLB Draft, college football options

Five-star Phoenix (Ariz.) Pinnacle tight end Duce Robinson was originally expected to make his college commitment decision on Wednesday, but the top tight end in the country has more thinking to do.

Robinson, who is considering USC, Texas, and Georgia, is also an elite baseball player who could be a high pick in this summer’s MLB Draft. That possibility is causing him to reconsider his options instead of signing with a school now.

“It’s definitely a goal,” he told ESPN on Wednesday. “We wanted to hopefully get drafted and then have to make a decision from there. I want to play college football, but obviously it plays a role. If I can get drafted pretty highly, it’ll definitely play a role in my decision.”

On3’s Chad Simmons reported earlier this week that Robinson was considering baseball more than most initially thought he would, and Robinson said Wednesday that he just isn’t at the point where he wants to make a decision.

“To be honest, we’re just not sure where we want to go yet,” Robinson said. “It’s been a long process and fun process, but I don’t have that conviction. When I make my decision, I want to be at peace with it and be pretty convicted and not go anywhere. I want to there for three years or maybe more.

… I want to go somewhere I fit the scheme. I feel like I’m a pretty unique player in what I bring to the table, so I want to go somewhere I feel like I’ll be used to my full potential.”

Robinson added that his decision timeline right now is fluid, but he plans to make a decision before the summer move-in period begins for new football recruits so that he can begin workouts with whatever program he ultimately signs with.

“As of right now, the plan is fluid,” Robinson said. “I plan on making a decision at some point, hopefully before move-in day. I want to go through summer workouts with those guys. I want to play early. I want to get the scheme down and everything. Get the playbook in. I plan on making a decision before move-in day and then just seeing where the draft will take us from there.”

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 outstanding statue and length at over 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds with a 6-foot-10 wingspan. Plays and moves like a receiver at that size. A smooth, fluid mover who showed continued improvement in top-end play speed as a junior, running away from defensive backs. Has one of the largest catch radiuses in the 2023 cycle and consistently wins in contested situations.

“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. 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, but has the look of an elite tight end prospect with five-star upside.”