Nathan Robinson’s first two seasons on Tennessee’s football team were spent in the shadows, redshirting in 2023 and playing primarily on the field-goal and extra-point units in 2024.
The 6-foot-6, 295-pounder from the Nashville suburb of Greenbrier worked his way into the defensive line rotation last season and will enter his redshirt junior year as a veteran of that group.
“It’s very different,” Robinson said in a press conference before the Volunteers wrapped up spring practice with last Saturday’s Orange & White game. “I’m taking on more of a leadership role, which is something I’ve always desired. I think I’ve done a good job of taking that on and being vocal in the room.
“The experience I got last year certainly helped, and I’m enjoying it.”
Robinson has played 332 career snaps for Tennessee and amassed 17 tackles, with 14 of those coming last season along with 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. His biggest play last year occurred in the 45-26 opening win over Syracuse in Atlanta, when he produced a sack that caused a fumble late in the first quarter that cornerback Colton Hood returned 22 yards for a touchdown and a 17-0 lead.