Robinson an instant hit
It didn’t take freshman James Robinson long to provide an example as to how he was able to displace senior Gordy Witte in Appalachian State’s starting lineup at left defensive end.
Robinson made his first start last Saturday night in the Mountaineers’ 41-6 victory over Savannah State, and had back-to-back sacks to end a Savannah State scoring threat early in the second quarter.
In addition to the two sacks, he wound up with another tackle for loss, a quarterback hurry and a forced fumble.
“I had fun,” Robinson said.
Robinson knew all of last week that he would be a starter, a job that he secured with his performance in practice. He is expected to start again Saturday against Chattanooga.
“I just did my part in camp, and I appreciate the coaches having enough trust in me to start this week,” said the 6-5, 235-pound Robinson, from Blythewood, Ga., who joins fellow freshman and right end Ronald Blair on the Mountaineers’ 3-man front.
Coach Jerry Moore of the Mountaineers said: “He’s a kid that’s been getting better all the time in practice. He’s been getting more reps and he got an opportunity.
“He reminds me of Jason Hunter – a tall, slender kid with great mobility and quickness off the ball. He’s a good pass rusher.”
The Mountaineers also introduced a new long snapper Saturday night. Tight end Trevor Sawyer filled in for injured veteran Wilson Fitchett.
“He gives us a much better cover guy,” Moore said of the big and athletic Sawyer (6-6, 225). “I thought Trevor did a good job. That’s one of those things you don’t notice unless there’s a bad snap.”
Cornerback Ed Gainey and linebacker Lanston Tanyi, both held out of the Savannah State game for violation of team rules, are both practicing this week but Coach Jerry Moore said Tuesday that he has yet to make a decision in regard to their playing status for the Chattanooga game.