If you have been following us over the past year you will know that I am one of the biggest Bijan Robinson fans. I thought he was the best running back in college football last year. I still believe he is the best pure running back in the country. Robinson was injured in the infamous Kansas game and would proceed to miss the rest of the season. If he had not gotten injured against the Jayhawks, does Texas pull out the victory? We will never know.
Robinson is an explosive running back with home run ability on every play. He is a true gamechanger in the ground game. His ability to read the play and find the running lane is one of the best in the country. One other element of Robinson’s game which makes him an excellent running back is his elusiveness. The ability to make defenders miss and get to the second level is where Robinson excels. At a reported 214 pounds, he is not easy to bring down when running with a full head of steam.
Robinson finished the 2021 season with 1,127 rushing yards in only 10 games. His best performance game against TCU where he rushed for 216 yards and two touchdowns. An underrated part of Robinson’s ability is his effectiveness as a receiver. He was second in receptions and third in receiving yards for the Longhorns last season. He totaled 26 receptions for 295 yards. Texas has added additional weapons in the passing game this year so he is unlikely to be as high in those categories but he will still be a major factor.
A running back has not won the Heisman trophy since Derrick Henry won the award back in 2015. Running backs have a harder time winning the award due to the game being more focused on the passing attack. Robinson is talented enough to put up the necessary numbers to be in consideration. He will need at least 2,000 yards from scrimmage to be in consideration. If he can play a full season he should get close to the necessary number. The Longhorns also have enough premier games (Looking at you Alabama) to allow Robinson to showcase his talents on national television.
The biggest concern I have for Robinson to be a true Heisman contender is the Longhorn’s ability to win enough games. Most of the recent Heisman winners have been in contention for the College Football Playoffs. Texas could realistically go 8-4 this season which would lower Robinson’s chances at being a Heisman contender. Texas will need to win at least 10 games to give him a reasonable chance. 10 wins is not out of the question but far from guaranteed. No matter the outcomes, make sure to enjoy watching Bijan Robinson this season as he will surely be heading to the NFL after the season is over.
