Georgia trending with 5-star TE Duce Robinson

For much of his recruitment, five-star Phoenix (Ariz.) Pinnacle tight end Duce Robinson has been considered a lean to USC. The Trojans are a short flight from home, hired Lincoln Riley away from Oklahoma and have a Heisman contender at quarterback with Caleb Williams.

And while other schools had made a positive impression on Robinson, it didn’t seem to do much to break USC’s lead down in a significant way. That very well could be changing, though.

The nation’s top tight end in the 2023 class visited Georgia at the end of September, and the Bulldogs have made a major impression. So much so that On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons believes Kirby Smart and Co. may have passed the Trojans and taken the lead for Robinson.

“Since that official visit to the University of Georgia, there’s been a lot of traction picking up with him and Georgia,” Simmons said Monday during On3’s Inside Scoop recruiting show. “His father played at Florida State; at that time, Kirby Smart was a GA at Florida State, and there’s an underlying relationship there a lot of people don’t talk about. His dad saw Kirby at an early age learning to be a coach, they’ve stayed in contact, they know each other.

… And then Duce loves the SEC. Alabama is involved, and he’s going to take trips to Texas and Oregon in November. But I’m starting to lean a little toward Georgia being that trendy favorite for Duce Robinson. Obviously, their tight end play speaks for itself. Everybody knows about Brock Bowers and “Big Zero,” Darnell Washington. Duce watches that closely, how they use those guys, how they play in 12 and 13 personnel a lot and get guys like him on the field early.”

Robinson is expected to take his recruitment all the way to the Early Signing Period in December, if not to to February.

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.” — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings