Former Enterprise standout making his mark at South Alabama

Carlos Robinson II was a star running back at Enterprise before walking on the football team at the University of South Alabama to play for the Jaguars.

After his career at Enterprise ended, Robinson decided to head to USA as a preferred walk-on, invited by the Jaguar coaching staff.

“Coming out of high school, I really didn’t have many offers,” Robinson said. “My dad helped me out a bunch because he was calling around to a lot of schools to see if they had a spot for me.

“He and Coach (Joey) Jones knew each other from playing at Alabama together and he made a call for me. I’m just thankful to my dad and Coach Jones for the opportunity.”

Robinson’s father, Carlos Robinson Sr., played fullback at Alabama.

“One thing he’s always told me is, ‘In life, you get out of it what you put into it,’” Robinson said of his father. “That’s just something that I always think about even when I’m down.

“I like to think of it as if you put bad gas in a car, it’s going to mess up your engine, but if you put high-quality fuel in it, you’re going to get high-quality performance. He always told me to play my hardest and give everything I’ve got out there.”

For two years Robinson primarily played on the scout team before playing his way onto the special teams unit for USA. From there, Robinson not only became a stalwart on the Jaguar special teams unit but earned himself a scholarship during the 2016 season.

Robinson played in all 13 games for the Jaguars last season and has played in all eight games so far this season.

“I felt like all of my hard work had finally paid off and that I could contribute to the team on a bigger scale,” Robinson said. “I just felt good to be able to play the game again.”

Robinson was awarded his scholarship last year during preparation for USA’s bowl game against Air Force. It’s a moment that Robinson said he would never forget.

“I believe it was the last practice before we left to go to Arizona (for the bowl game),” he said. “At the end of practice, Coach (Joey) Jones said that a drone had come in with a message.

“He opened the letter and said that I and Wade Forde were receiving full scholarships. It was a nice surprise and I definitely wasn’t expecting it. It gave me a good boost and kind of refreshed me.”

Robinson isn’t just satisfied with being a leader on special teams or even earning a scholarship. So far this season Robinson has rushed for a career-high 38 yards on seven attempts, and he wants to earn more offensive playing time.

“My speed has increased a little bit and my attitude towards practice and getting better and wanting to contribute more has increased,” Robinson said of his efforts to improve himself. “I think I pay more attention to detail and my passion for the game has also gotten better.”

Playing college football just a few hours away from his hometown of Enterprise has meant a lot to the USA senior.

“It means a lot to me to having my family able to come see me play, but it also means a lot to my family at home,” he said. “Ever since I played pee-wee football, my mom and dad have always tried to come to every game.

“Even in high school, my dad tried to come to every practice that I had and he would tell me where I could get better or what I could improve on; he still does that now and I’m thankful for it.”

As a senior, Robinson has taken on a leadership role on special teams.

“I see myself as a leader by example,” Robinson said. “I’m not really a talker, but everything I do, I try to give it my best all the time, because my dad once told me that someone is always watching you even when you may not know they are.

“So, I just try to give my best effort all the time. As an upperclassman, the younger guys are looking up to you so you have to set the example and make wise decisions.”

Robinson and the South Alabama Jaguars will face conference foe Arkansas State this Saturday.

Quotes courtesy of South Alabama Athletics.