Illinois Football: Checking in with 2022 CB Ahmad Robinson
By Max Feldman
While eyes slowly turn towards the class of 2022, the Illinois football team has high hopes in-state with 12 prospects ranked in the top 600 nationally according to 247Sports.
With plenty of scouting left to do, the Illini should soon look to make the connection with East. St. Louis cornerback, Ahmad Robinson. The up and coming junior athlete only has one scholarship offer currently, Indiana University, but it will not be too long until Robinson becomes a priority recruit for Big Ten programs.
The Writing Illini had the opportunity to speak with Robinson regarding his development, goals, recruitment and the postponing of Illinois prep football until the Spring of 2021.
The 6-foot, 177-pound cornerback had been nationally unranked until just late August 2020 but does not lack any confidence as his rise has just begun. Rivals now has Robinson as the No. 5 best prospect in the state, while 247Sports has him at the No. 7 spot.
Robinson said, “I only have 1 offer from Indiana right now, but I have a couple of schools recruiting me. I am pretty sure they will offer after this season.”
The Illini initially reached out two weeks ago with the potential to throw their hat in the ring with the East. St. Louis product, but there are a host of potential competitors. Missouri, Purdue, Maryland, Miami, Cincinnati and Murray State have all shown interest to this point.
Robinson does not have the opportunity to impress coaches or produce film amidst the pandemic, but the grind is not stopping.
“I am just staying focused, going to the weight room with my team and getting my work in on the field when I can.”
With two more seasons of prep football left, Robinson has his training focused in on improving his strength and speed. He identified that his strengths are “technique and mindset”.
Robinson has the build to play anywhere in the secondary at the next level, and the technique he displayed in his sophomore year film certainly backs up his word as a highly technical, intelligent and high wired defensive back.
With quick feet, high-level technique, hard-nosed tackling ability and the yearning to play physical, Robinson shows strong tools as a wide cornerback or as a nickel.
On and off the field, Robinson should prove to be a focal point within the East. St. Louis program.
“I am humble and hardworking. I do my job. I give 100-percent effort. I love to play physical and fast.”
With big goals, Robinson takes notes and studies up on a few of the top young cornerbacks in the NFL.
“I watch film on Jeff Okudah, CJ Henderson, Jalen Ramsey and AJ Terrell.”
If we are talking about technical and mentally imposing corners, Robinson has got the right pool to learn from.
It will likely be 2021 until Robinson is able to fully display his progression, but with that will come the recruiting attention he has hopes for. Robinson is looking for a setting to continue his development at the next level as well as the opportunity to contribute early.
Robinson is looking for a school and staff that “will treat me like family and provide him and the team an opportunity to be great.”
The Illini just began to show interest, and we may be almost two years away from a potential commitment, but Robinson has a message for the fans of wherever he may land.
“They can expect plenty of big plays, a lot of energy and a national championship.”