Terrell Robinson was Tennessee’s Mr. Football Division I-A back of the year in 2009, as well as the Times Free Press Best of Preps area player of the year.
Now the former all-everything quarterback from South Pittsburg High School does more watching than playing in practice as a University of Tennessee at Chattanooga freshman.
“Everything’s going pretty good,” said Robinson, whose father, Vincent, played basketball at UTC. “I’m just learning a lot and trying to get better at something every day.”
The 6-foot-3, 180-pound Robinson threw for 1,687 yards and rushed for 1,322 his senior season, while running and throwing for a combined 46 touchdowns. Despite all that offensive production, Robinson is quick to admit that he’s got a lot of work to do before he’s ready to play for the Mocs.
“In high school, you’re just basically doing what you can do off your talent,” he said, “but at this level you’ve got to really have technique.”
Mocs starting quarterback B.J. Coleman has two years of eligibility left, so there’s no rush to get Robinson ready. The Mocs also have redshirt freshman Graham Nichols, who is Coleman’s backup this season.
As of now, Robinson will redshirt this season which will give him time to work on that technique – especially lining up under center, something he seldom did with the Pirates.
Coleman, who was a two-time Mr. Football Division II-AAA back of the year at McCallie, said he had to make the same adjustment.
“His feet have got to get a lot better, and I know I experienced that the same way when I first got to Tennessee,” Coleman said. “You’ve got to be able to get under center and have the correct footwork to get the ball to the backs successfully.”
Robinson looked good running the offense during Thursday’s practice. He handled the snaps well and kept the ball for about a 10-yard gain on one play, earning a high-five from Coleman.
Offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield said that while Robinson is “raw” in some areas, “he’s a lot further ahead than I thought he would be right now. He’s going to be a really good player.”
The closer the Mocs get to their Sept. 4 season opener against Appalachian State, the fewer repetitions Robinson and other freshmen who are redshirting will get.
That means a lot of their development will switch from physical to mental. Robinson said he’s learned a great deal just from watching Coleman lead the first-team offense.
“I watch how he manages the game,” Robinson said. “He seems like he does everything right and he’s a great leader, and I just try to learn from him.”
Extra points
Coach Russ Huesman said the Mocs had a productive practice Thursday. “I thought the kids moved around good, and even though it was hot out here today I don’t think they let it affect them,” he said. … The players spent part of Thursday morning helping UTC students move into dorms on campus. … Left guard Omre Harris (shoulder) was cleared for contact and went through all of practice for the first time.