UCF LB commit Samarian Robinson covers Knights official, Rutgers this weekend
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
No matter the conference or offensive style of play in said conference, every team needs a tone setter in the box on defense. Out of Tallahassee’s Lincoln High School (Fla.), Samarian Robinson is that guy. The 6-3, 220-pound, linebacker roughed up 3S Sunshine State ball carriers last season stopping 93 plays. Holding 19 offers, UCF picked up the verbal pledge from the three-star prospect on Jan. 28. The Knights have officially hosted their prized recruit already, but a Big Ten and Pac-12 team also get a chance to sway Robinson on the recruiting trail in the coming weeks.
The weekend official in Orlando was a selling point moving player and coaching staff closer together.
“It went great,” Robinson said. “That was my first official. I will take one this weekend and next weekend, but UCF was great. I bonded with the current players and recruits; they had a great time. They are thinking about UCF. Coach Gus (Malzahn) held events for the recruits and their families.”
Robinson continued, “The best thing about the visit was taking photos with the other recruits; getting to know them better and building a bond. I was trying to get them to join the team as well.”
Time was spent over the weekend with the staff letting Robinson know he is a wanted man in Orlando.
“We were talking about me coming there, they are ready for me to play, and how I am a great player,” Robinson shared. “We were talking about me having fun on the visit. During the visit we were spending time with each other and building a better bond.”
Head coach Gus Malzahn and defensive coordinator Addison Williams broke down Robinson’s potential role in the Knights’ scheme.
“They talked about me fitting in and playing the same position I am now as freshman and sophomore as a Will (weakside),” Robinson stated. “They said during my freshman year, because I am an early enrollee, I should be starting or second string.”
Asked after the official visit, did that change anything for how you feel about UCF, Robinson replied, “Yes. It made me feel like that is more of a home.”
During the visit, Robinson was giving his pitch to other UCF linebacker targets.
“I was talking to Xavier Atkins (LSU transfer) and Qua Birdsong (Cincinnati commit), they are top linebackers in the nation,” Robinson stated. “I was telling them some good knowledge about UCF, but I let them check it out for themselves. I told them they will make it feel like home. I told them with the UCF coaches, you are in great hands. Coach (Ernie) Sims, the linebackers coach, he communicates with them a lot.”
Two other official visits are set for Robinson.
“This weekend Rutgers and next weekend I’m going to Arizona,” Robinson said.
Asked about his interest in the Scarlet Knights, Robinson gave, “I am committed, but whatever place makes me feel at home, has the better academics, and can help me have a better football career. I have a great bond with them, we communicate every day. They talked to my mom on Tuesday.”
Family ties is taking Robinson out to Pac-12 country.
“I have interest in Arizona,” Robinson stated. “They say they like me; anyone that has interest in me, I have interest in them. My uncle has a connection with one of their coaches. I want to check it out and see what it is like.”
Other visits could happen for the three-star this summer and fall.
“The last weekend in June, I have a USF visit set up,” Robinson said. “This fall I should be visiting Colorado, Arkansas, Mississippi State, Cincinnati, Louisville, and a lot more.”