Scarlet Sunrise: Long snapper Bradley Robinson pens farewell message to Buckeyes

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Long snapper Bradley Robinson pens farewell message to Buckeyes

Ohio State long snapper Bradley Robinson came back for the 2022 season to use a rare seventh year of eligibility. He started his career at Michigan State, where he redshirted in 2016 and then transferred to Ohio State in 2017. He eventually got a year of eligibility back from the NCAA because he had to sit out that 2017 season because of transfer rules at the time. Then every player got an extra year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. So that’s how he ended up with seven years of eligibility.

Except, that seventh and final season didn’t pan out the way Robinson expected. He suffered a season-ending injury against Iowa. Mason Arnold filled his shoes the rest of the way.

Robinson had been Ohio State’s starting long snapper since 2020. He was a 2021 semifinalist for the Patrick Mannelly Award, given annually to the best long snapper in college football. Robinson also earned the Rose Bowl Scholar-Athlete Award that season — that was recognition of his academic accomplishments at Ohio State, where he earned multiple degrees.

After a lengthy but memorable college career, Robinson penned a farewell message to Buckeyes fans Friday, announcing the start of his next chapter: preparing for the NFL.

“To my coaches, strength coaches, training and medical staff, equipment staff, video staff and academic staff, thank you for everything,” Robinson wrote. “To all my teammates over the years, I have gained brothers for life, and appreciate everything we have been through. To Buckeye Nation, thank you for welcoming a kid from the North into your arms.

“Being a Buckeye has meant everything to me and I will cherish it forever. I am truly blessed to call myself an alum of The Ohio State University. While my playing career did not end the way I thought it would, I am currently rehabbing and determined to pursue my next dream of playing in the NFL this fall.”

Blessed to call myself a Buckeye for life!!! Excited to see whats next in my journey! #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/XPjdGO4bRa

— Bradley Robinson (@BRobinson_42) January 20, 2023

Arnold transferred to Michigan State this offseason. The Buckeyes did reel in Arizona State transfer long snapper John Ferlmann, who appeared in 12 games for the Sun Devils this season.

Ferlmann — a Phoenix, Arizona, native — was a five-star prospect at Boulder Creek High School, according to Rubio’s Long Snapping ranking, which also had him as the No. 7 long snapper in the country before he reached the collegiate ranks.

Buckeyes reportedly a top choice for Bronny James

Bronny James, the son of NBA superstar and future Hall of Famer LeBron James, has Ohio State in his top three, along with USC and Oregon, according to Luca Evans of The Los Angeles Times. James is a four-star prospect from Chatsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon, and he’s the highest-rated uncommitted recruit in the 2023 cycle, per On3.

On3 has James as the No. 6 combo guard and No. 29 overall prospect in the class.

James told On3’s Joe Tipton that he’s still “open” in his recruitment. So, to be clear, Ohio State, USC and Oregon aren’t finalists. But they are options for James.

Of the three schools mentioned, Ohio State is the only one James has officially visited.

READ: Ohio State reportedly a top choice for Bronny James

Hoping to end five-game skid, Ohio State hosts Iowa Saturday

Ohio State and Iowa are trending in opposite directions right now. The Buckeyes have dropped five games in a row, tying the longest losing streak of the Chris Holtmann era. Meanwhile, the Hawkeyes have won four in a row. That stretch included a second-half comeback against then-No. 15 Indiana and an overtime victory against Michigan.

But the Big Ten foes will face off Saturday at 2 p.m. in The Schottenstein Center. The Buckeyes, who are now part of the “last four in” in ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi’s latest NCAA Tournament projection, desperately need a win. After the weekend matchup, Ohio State will be back on the road to play at Illinois on Tuesday and then at Indiana next Saturday.

Today’s game against Iowa will be broadcast on FOX.

Counting down

Buckeyes vs. Indiana: 224 days

Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 308 days

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