James Robinson is a running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL. After playing college at Illinois State, Robinson went undrafted in the 2020 NFL draft before signing with the Jaguars on a three-year, $2.2 million deal.
When Leonard Fournette was cut before the 2020 season, Robinson stepped up and carried the lions share of volume in Jacksonville, and has thrived despite poor quarterback play. He looks like a future cornerstone for the team.
Robinson attended Rockford Lutheran High School. He was a two-sport athlete, as he played basketball and football. He rushed for 2,461 yards and 44 touchdowns his senior season and was named Class 4A All-State. Robinson rushed for 9,045 yards and 158 touchdowns in his career, both IHSA records.
In his junior year, Robinson rushed for 1,290 yards and 12 touchdowns and was named first team All-MVFC. He also made the Associated Press's third team and was a finalist for the prestigious Walter Payton Award.
In his senior season, Robinson rushed for 1,899 yards and 18 touchdowns and was a consensus first team FCS All-American and a first team All-Conference selection for the third consecutive season. It was surprising given his college production that Robinson went undrafted.
Robinson signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent just as the NFL Draft was ending. Robinson impressed in training camp, enough for the Jaguars to cut starting back leonard Fournette and give the job to Robinson.
Robinson's career has gotten off to a fast start. He became the fourth undrafted rookie running back to start Week one since 1970, and set the record for most rushing yards for an undrafted rookie in Week 1. He also became the first running back from Illinois State to start a game since Aveion Cason in 2006. Robinson was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for the month of September.
Robinson signed a three-year, $2.2 million deal with the Jaguars in April, 2020. Expect many future endorsement deals if he continues playing at his current level.
"I know there’s a lot of kids that have the same dream and a message from me to them is keep working and you never know what could happen and never take a day off.”
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