AHS’s dual threat Robinson makes defenses think twice

By Bart Isley

Published: September 4, 2008

When Albemarle quarterback Jeremy Robinson went down with a wrist injury against Brooke Point in 2007, the Patriots’ opponents got something of a break.
With the then-junior relegated to duty at wide receiver and free safety for the season’s final stretch, the Patriots’
opposition no longer had to defend Robinson’s combination of speed and throwing ability.
That break is over, because after offseason surgery, Robinson is back and ready to make up for lost time.
“I really like the pressure that quarterback brings,” Robinson said. “I really like to have the ball in my hands when we need to score.”
Last year, Robinson gave head coach Rick Vrhovac every reason to make sure the quarterback had the ball in his hands at crunch time in Albemarle’s season-opening loss to Monticello. Robinson threw for a score and ran for two more against the Mustangs.
He also gives the Patriots a viable option at free safety, where he’ll likely split time with Zach Vrhovac, rotating each series at the spot so that both playmakers can stay fresh for offense.
Robinson, who has grown significantly and now checks in at about 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, was on the recruiting radar early in his career as an athlete at either wideout or quarterback at the next level. That natural athleticism is what makes keying in on the senior so tough.
“You can’t play Jeremy as a throwing quarterback or as a running quarterback because he can hurt you both ways,” Zach Vrhovac said. “He can drop back, read the [secondary] real well and throw the deep ball or he can drop back, watch the coverage and then take off running.”
To vault himself back into the picture as a big-time recruit, Robinson will need a huge senior season, and he’ll get every opportunity to make that happen. Now that the wrist is fully healed, it’s clear that Robinson will play a big part in what happens to the Patriots this season. He’s the key component of Albemarle’s new offensive system, which will attempt to take advantage of his diverse skills.
“This year, Jeremy has the opportunity to run his own show,” Rick Vrhovac said. “He’s got to take
advantage of the gifts God’s given him.”
He’s certainly got some admirers on the defensive side of the ball. Robinson’s abilities have helped prepare Albemarle’s squad for most anything another team can throw its way.
“It’s great competition,” said Albemarle linebacker Kendall Ravenell. “Jeremy is a full threat and if I can stop Jeremy then I can stop anybody.”
He’s also developed as a leader in his time with the Patriots. When Robinson moved to Central Virginia from Florida before his freshman year at Albemarle, he was quiet and reserved. While still not one for loud, rah-rah style leadership, Robinson picks his words carefully, and makes sure he’s heard.
“He’s not loud or boisterious, but when he speaks he means it,” Rick Vrhovac said. “He’s softspoken but he carries a big stick.”
Robinson certainly won’t lack for weapons, no matter what the Patriots call. He’s got Marvin Tarpley behind him at running back, as well as Vrhovac and Jordan Hill at wide receiver. Those weapons should make Robinson himself even more dangerous, as the defense will have to spread out against Vrhovac and Hill on the edge.
“We have a lot of weapons in the receiving corps and it takes a lot of pressure off the young offensive linemen,” Robinson said. “All that speed should take a lot of pressure off those new guys [along the line].”
Albemarle will find out fast just how well those weapons can meld together on offense. Monticello’s secondary returns everyone from a unit that locked up Richlands wideout — and now Virginia Tech freshman — Austin Fuller in the state title game and pulled down three interceptions in that contest. Khiry Washington had seven picks on the season in seven different games in 2007.
Hopefully for the Patriots, Robinson is up for the challenge.