CU wide receiver Stephone Robinson is in a race with his own recent past, hoping to leave last season far behind him.
The Denver native entered this past season as CU’s top return man for both punts and kickoffs and tied atop the depth chart at the “z” receiver position. After seeing action in all 12 games, he exited the season disappointed in its outcome.
Robinson principally occupied his role returning kicks and punts until eventual struggles persuade head coach Dan Hawkins to rearrange his kick-return resources.
On the field, Robinson committed six fumbles, second behind quarterback Bernard Jackson. Robinson lost three of those fumbles, a number that topped the CU stat chart. He did not score any touchdowns last season.
“Last year I was up and down a lot, and it shook my confidence,” Robinson said. “The big thing now is I just want to be consistent.”
He concluded the 2006 season with a team-leading 15 punt returns that totaled 76 yards-an average of 5.1 yards per return. Robinson ran a 36-yard punt return against Colorado State, the team’s longest punt return of the season. He also tallied 261 yards from 15 kick returns, leading to an average of 17.4 yards per return, fourth-best on the team.
While Robinson’s return game sufficed, his other contributions floundered. He posted two receptions for a total of one yard and three rushing attempts for a total of -13 yards.
Robinson sees spring practice as an effective transition leading into next season, hoping to make the mental adjustments necessary to get him back on track.
“I think I am where I need to be physically. I just need to stay focused,” Robinson said.
This includes visualizations and thinking positively, he said.
“The atmosphere and camaraderie out here are great,” Robinson said. “We’re out here having fun, and it is good to be back playing football after all the running, conditioning and lifting we have done.”
Robinson expects to see action at the wide receiver position and be part of the Buffs’ return game occasionally as well.
“I want to be a receiver that can go out there and make plays, and I think I’m ready to go,” he said. “I don’t need to be the man. When it is my turn to go, I just want to be a player who makes the plays for my team.”
Contact Campus Press staff writer Corey Jones at corey.jones@thecampuspress.com.
