2026 offensive lineman Donel Robinson experiences fast start on recruiting trail
2026 offensive lineman prospect Donel Robinson opened up a lot of eyes last season on the gridiron. Going into his junior season at Holmes County Central High School, the On3 three-star prospect faces an adjustment, however, in the trenches.
Last year saw Robinson start at right tackle and he was dominant at times along the line. But this season Robinson is switching to the left side of the line and is using the offseason to get accustomed to that change. Robinson is rated as the nation’s No. 34 interior offensive lineman and the state’s No. 15 prospect by On3.
“I am working mostly on my strength and my footwork this offseason,” explained the 6-foot-5 and 280-pound Robinson. “I feel like I did good last year and my speed was good and helped me get to the second level of blocking. I was at right tackle last year but I am moving to left tackle this year. It is kind of hard to switch but I am starting to get it down.”
On the recruiting trail, Robinson has experienced a quick start with several Power 5 offers on is resume. That includes several SEC opportunities and Robinson was surprised by his early success with his recruitment.
“So far I have offers from Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Kentucky, Tennessee, Purdue, Arkansas, Memphis and a couple of others,” Robinson remarked. “I feel blessed and it feels good to get off to that kind of start. But I definitely didn’t see it coming. It has been tough, though, trying to go everywhere I want to visit.”
During the spring and summer periods, Robinson was able to check out a few of those schools on his radar. He also has another SEC program he wants to visit in the near future.
“I’ve been to a few schools this spring and summer,” Robinson said. “I’ve been to Mississippi State, Ole Miss and LSU, and there’s a few others I want to see later this summer. I want to go check out Tennessee soon.”
In the month of June, Robinson took in a couple of unofficial visits to Mississippi State. That featured one camp appearance and so far, he likes the conversations he’s had with the Bulldogs’ staff.
“It’s going good with Mississippi State and their coaches,” noted Robinson. “I talk to Coach (Jeff) Lebby a good bit and we’ve had good conversations about him trying to get me there. He wants me to keep visiting and he wants me to play there. I like Coach (Cody) Kennedy, too. He seems like a good person and I like talking to him.”
Just entering his junior campaign, Robinson is not in a rush to make any sudden movements on the recruiting scene. But early on, he does have a few SEC programs catching his attention.
“I am just taking things easy right now since it is early,” Robinson mentioned. “So I will probably make my decision before my senior year starts up. The main ones right now would be Auburn, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and LSU. I just want a place that feels like home and a place I can fit into well.”
