Brian Robinson making every snap count at Kentucky Spring Practice

Brian Robinson became one of the most heralded recruits to ever sign with Kentucky when the top 150 prospect put pen to paper in December. Recruited heavily by Penn State and Michigan, among others, choosing the Wildcats was an easy decision for the celebrated defender.

“This is family,” Robinson said Thursday morning. “Me being from Youngstown, Ohio, you got Coach Stoops, you got (Vince) Marrow, you got the guys. I’m not just like another kid on the team. It was like family.”

Robinson was ranked by recruiting services as an EDGE, but the 6-foot-5, 257-pound athlete is beginning his career on the defensive line. His size fits the position, one he does not have a ton of experience playing. Anwar Stewart knows the freshman has a lot of work to do, something Robinson has never shied away from.

“We gotta build his technique from the ground up. He’s still very raw, but he’s got a high ceiling, very strong kid, a very determined kid,” said Stewart.

“He has an unbelievable work ethic. Sometimes you gotta slow him down just a little bit so that he understands the defense, the techniques and alignments that we’re doing. He’s doing a really good job. He’s always early, always leaves late and when you have those type of qualities, that’s a recipe for success.”

Robinson Sharing Recipes and Workouts on Social Media

Kentucky fans quickly grew familiar with Robinson because of his activity on social media. He frequently posts his workouts and hearty breakfasts that helped him add about 30 pounds in the last year. Robinson isn’t just sharing those pictures for the clout.

“It’s inspiration to the younger kids, because I wasn’t always this size,” Robinson said in his first interview at UK. “I was the last one, I was the scrawny kid, the small kid. I had the height, didn’t have the size. I’m just showing that as long as you got that consistent hard work, you can do anything.”

Stewart teased Robinson, asking him why he never shares photos of what they’re serving in the cafeteria.

“If his dad doesn’t cook it, he doesn’t wanna put it on social media,” Stewart laughed.

Last Breakfast at home before the gym and then I’m back to the best program @UKFootball . Eat Great, Pray and work hard. #SpringBreakNoBreak #SpringPracticeReady
#GodDid #TeamWorkMakeTheDreamWork @CharitiesForKY @nil_athlete @The15Club_nil #33OBoyz #BBNNation… pic.twitter.com/GAmso2PWw8

— Brian Robinson AKA B Rob (@BRob_2323) March 17, 2024

“Brian Robinson is great, and you know what, spring break he worked his butt off. He didn’t go anywhere. He stayed here and he worked his butt off because he wants to play. I’m sure Coach White told y’all, we don’t decide who plays. They decide who plays. The guys that every day come out here and continue to flash and continue to show up, those are the guys who will get opportunities to play on Saturdays.”

Robinson is one of almost a dozen 2024 signees who enrolled early to participate in Kentucky spring practice. For almost all of them, the first few days they’re drinking water from a firehose. Fortunately for B-Rob, there are plenty of opportunities for growth during the first 15 practices of the 2024 calendar year.

“Every snap counts, especially when you come in here and you’re a mid-year guy. Most of the time you don’t really get a lot of reps, so those reps have to matter. The more you do, the better you do, then you gradually get more reps,” said Stewart.

“Right now he and Jerod (Smith) are getting a lot of reps, Tommy (Ziesmer) is getting a lot of reps and so it’s great. I’m very excited about the future here. I’m very excited about the young guys we have. Man, they’re working. Coach Ed and Coach Hill are doing a great job. The weight room, it’s translating over to the field and that’s what you want to see as a coach.”

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