Despite Oklahoma’s offensive woes this season, Xavier Robinson has experienced substantial growth and could be a key part in helping the Sooners potentially earn a spot in a bowl game.
From the start of the season to now, Robinson has developed as a player, gradually earning playing time during the last few weeks of the regular season.
Having only appeared against Mississippi, Texas, Maine and Missouri this year, Robinson has received limited snaps, and his first contributions for the Sooners did not come until Oct. 12 when he had 12 receiving yards on two receptions in a 34-3 loss to Texas.
However, during the Sooners’ 30-23 loss to Missouri on Nov. 9, his status within the team shifted.
In the game, Robinson was a rare bright spot for the offense and recorded 56 rushing yards on nine carries, displaying the trust he has gained in his abilities.
“It was just confidence,” Robinson said. “I try to work my tail off every practice, and I was just excited to go out there and show what I can do. I felt pretty comfortable going out there and giving it a shot.”
Facilitating his success, he not only made great efforts in practice, but he also worked diligently off the field to improve his body. It was evident when the freshman running back joined the team, he would have to deal with a long-term struggle — his weight.
“I was always big since I was like in eighth grade,” Robinson said. “That carried on for years, being able to understand my body.”
As a recruit, Robinson weighed 228 pounds and knew he had to change to be successful at the next level.
“Everybody knew I was a little overweight, so I didn’t give up on myself. The coaches did not give up on me, recruiting me,” Robinson said. “I just kept my head down and worked.”
As he transformed his body, he started to find success. However, these results did not happen without obstacles.
Last spring, Robinson suffered an injury, making his fitness journey more difficult. As he was less active on the field, it became more of a challenge to keep the weight off and put himself in the best position to be successful.
“I had an injury in the spring, so I was a little off, still trying to maintain my diet,” Robinson said.
However, during fall camp, Robinson was able to take a big leap. With help from trainers and coaches, Robinson dropped six pounds from his first practice with the Sooners to now, allowing him to be faster and leaner.
“Everything transitioned going into fall camp, the plays, the body weight,” Robinson said. “It all came together.”
Despite originally being expected to redshirt, through physical progress and recent performances, Robinson proved he can impact the team right now.
Having reached the four-game limit to qualify as a redshirt, head coach Brent Venables and running backs coach DeMarco Murray spoke with Robinson about forgoing his redshirt and contributing to the team in its final games.
“I respect (Venables) and (Murray) asking me about this decision, but I made the decision to keep playing and help this team out,” Robinson said. “I love this team a lot.”
Robinson will work to help Oklahoma win its final home game of the regular season, when the Sooners (5-5, 1-5 SEC) play Alabama (8-2, 4-2) at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman on ABC.
This story was edited by Gracie Rawlings.
