Georgia Bulldogs’ sophomore cornerback Ellis Robinson didn’t see much action as a true freshman in 2024, but that is expected to change this fall.
In fact, ESPN’s Billy Tucker predicts a breakout year from the former five-star and No. 2 overall recruit who logged just three tackles last season.
“While many expected greater impact from Robinson as the No. 1-ranked player in the ESPN 300, Georgia’s defense had three players selected in the first round of the NFL draft,” Tucker said. “Even this season, Robinson is not projected to start on the outside, but he’ll see plenty of meaningful snaps at nickel and has the skills to take over the perimeter as a lockdown corner at any point. Word from Athens is that the light has come on. Robinson is seeing the game more clearly, allowing him to play faster. Reminder: Robinson possesses a rare blend of length, speed and ball skills. He just happens to be part of a defense where that’s the norm.”
Robinson was initially competing for a starting job in Year 1, but fell short against Julian Humphrey and Daniel Harris. However, with Humprey no longer with the team after transferring to Texas A&M, it gives Robinson an automatic better chance at more reps opposite Daylen Everette.
But that is only if he can stay consistent, according to Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart.
“Just to be the best version of himself,” Smart said. I don’t know a freshman that we sign anymore that doesn’t come in with high expectations of themselves. I want that. Like if they don’t have high expectations of themselves, then we probably got the wrong guy. Because honestly, they have to be ready to play because of the volume of players we have. We have 50 percent of our team is year one and two. So if you don’t come in on year one thinking you’re going to play, then probably the wrong place. Doesn’t mean they’re all going to play, but he’s improved.
“He’s worked really hard. He competes in practice. He can play physical. He doesn’t always do it. He needs to do it more consistently, but he is not shy or afraid of contact. He’s got ball skills. He makes plays on the ball a lot. And that’s a big part of being a corner.”
We’ll get a clear look at where Robinson stands when Georgia kicks off its season against Marshall on Aug. 30.