NIL, running back history at UGA put Bulldogs on top for Branson Robinson

ORLANDO – Things are going well for the Georgia Bulldogs both on and off the field.

In exactly one week, UGA will face off against top-ranked Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Championship. This will be a rematch of not only this season’s SEC Championship, but the 2018 National Championship as well.

On the recruiting trail, Georgia is continuing to enjoy a lot of success as they’ve signed yet another top-five class. One of the many talented prospects who signed with the Bulldogs last month was Branson Robinson.

Robinson, the third-ranked running back in his class, spoke with On3 last week during Under Armour All-American week.

“It’s just a great all-around situation for me and my family,” Robinson said. “It being ‘RBU’ is a big reason why I went. I have a great relationship with the coaching staff, [specifically] Coach [Dell] McGee and Coach [Kirby] Smart. They have the right people in place for me to be the best player I can be. It’s a great situation for me.”

Robinson details why Georgia was the school for him

Georgia certainly has an argument to make to hold the moniker of “Running Back University.” The Bulldogs have produced Nick Chubb, Sony Michel, and Todd Gurley into the NFL since 2015.

Robinson is looking to add his name to that star-studded list in a few years.

“The guys that come through there, it’s a long list of guys. Can’t name all of them on one hand,” Robinson said. “That just shows you how they use their backs and how they keep them fresh. Rotate them in. Just a great all-around running back system. I just want to be a part of that and be the next great back at Georgia.”

Interestingly enough, Robinson was the only player we spoke with in Orlando who cited Name, Image and Likeness as a significant factor in his decision.

The University of Georgia’s location, coupled with the opportunities in Atlanta, are of high interest for the product of Madison (Mississippi).

“It played a big [role],” Robinson said. “It being Georgia, there’s such a signature brand at Georgia. A lot of places around Atlanta. It’s the ‘Mecca of the South.’ Sort of like Los Angeles out in the West Coast.

“Having a whole bunch of superstars, name brands and companies in Atlanta, it brings a big part to Georgia. It’s a big part of why I committed to Georgia.”

Early thoughts on Alabama rematch, goals for college

After wrapping up Friday’s UAAA practice, Robinson tuned in for Georgia’s matchup with then No. 2 Michigan Wolverines later that night. The Bulldogs were too much for Michigan to handle as they came out on top 34-11.

Seeing how they performed last week, Robinson envisions his future team overcoming the Crimson Tide next Monday. 

“Great game,” Robinson said. “We had a great game plan going in. We had a great offensive game, a great defensive game. Great all-around game for Georgia. It had me hyped. Had me in the room screaming. We’re motivated right now. We’re focused. That’s going to carry on until the championship.

“All I’ve got to say is Alabama has to be ready. It’s not going to be the same game it was [30 days] ago. I’ll give Alabama 21 points, but we’re going to score 35.”

As for what he is hoping to accomplish at the next level, Robinson has high individual aspirations. Most importantly, Robinson wants to bring a title back to Georgia. 

“I want to become a Heisman winner,” Robinson said. “That’s pretty much a lot of guys’ college dreams. Definitely, a national championship. That’s the first overall goal. I want to definitely win the Doak Walker. A Heisman is a bit of a reach given it’s a quarterback award now, but Doak Walker is definitely one of my goals I want to achieve when I get there.”