From working his way up the depth chart to playing through injuries, OU sophomore running back Xavier Robinson has embodied the team's motto, "Hard to Kill."
Robinson, who attended Carl Albert High School in Midwest City, Oklahoma, recorded 42 rushing yards on 12 carries on a sprained knee against Missouri. He suffered the injury in the win over Alabama while finishing with a team-high 34 rushing yards on 10 carries.
Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle praised Robinson’s eagerness and resiliency amid the injury.
“You never hear a complaint out of him,” Arbuckle said. “It's a mindset; he's as tough as they come.”
Head coach Brent Venables also commended Robinson’s relentless work ethic and steady development.
“He's worked really hard for his opportunity; he's made the most of (it),” Venables said.
Robinson started the 2025 campaign as a backup. However, he has become the lead back as freshman running back Tory Blaylock has been dealing with a lingering shoulder injury he suffered against Illinois State on Aug. 30 and senior running back Jovantae Barnes having an undisclosed injury. Robinson stepped up against the University of Mississippi and rushed the ball nine times for 109 yards and two touchdowns. He then followed the Mississippi performance with 115 rushing yards against Tennessee.
“(Robinson) might be the toughest player on our offense. … I'm proud of him, Arbuckle said. “I'm proud of everything he does as a running back.”
In 2024, Robinson worked his way through the depth chart too. As a three-star freshman, he entered the season as an afterthought in a deep running back room. However, through teammates’ inconsistent performances and Robinson’s hard work, he got his chance to shine against Alabama in 2024 and rushed for 107 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries.
Now, as his resiliency is guiding No. 8 OU (9-2, 5-2 SEC) through a playoff fight in 2025, the Sooners will look to ride Robinson’s hot hand against Louisiana State University (7-4, 3-4) at 2:30 p.m on Saturday at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on ABC.
This story was edited by Joshua McDaniel.
