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Miami receiver steps to the front

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Armand Robinson (11) of Miami, fights off tacklers after a catch and run for a Miami first down, during the game against UC, Saturday, October 3, 2009.

Photo by Robert Leifheit Armand Robinson (11) of Miami, fights off tacklers after a catch and run for a Miami first down, during the game against UC, Saturday, October 3, 2009.

Much has changed in a season for Robinson, who is having a career year for Miami football.

By Pete Conrad, Staff Writer Updated 8:46 AM Thursday, October 22, 2009

OXFORD — A lot of things have changed dramatically for Armand Robinson.

Last fall, he saw his playing time and production drop. When the 2009 season started Robinson was considered the No. 4, or maybe No. 5, or No. 6 wide receiver on a team loaded at that position. Now, as the RedHawks prepare for this weekend’s home game against Northern Illinois, the 6-foot-1, 203-pound junior from Reynoldsburg might be considered indispensable.

Robinson is putting up career numbers. His 39 catches and 442 receiving yards dwarf the statistics of the other RedHawk wide receivers, most of whom are recovering from injuries.

Those injuries are one reason you won’t find Robinson in a mood to celebrate. Plus, there are a couple of numbers that aren’t so impressive.

Zero wins for Miami, zero touchdown catches for Robinson.

“We’re not winning, so I’m not as happy as I want to be,” Robinson said. “And although my production is up in catches, I haven’t been in the end zone so far. I won’t be happy until we win.”

Still, this has been an impressive first half of the season for Robinson.

While Chris Givens, Dustin Woods, Eugene Harris and Jamal Rogers were falling prey to injuries, Robinson tied or established career highs for receptions in four straight games (five catches at Boise State, nine at Western Michigan, nine at Kent State, 10 against UC).

“I’ve been pretty lucky in terms of health,” Robinson said. “I’ve never had any serious injuries, just nicks and bruises.”

In high school he was a two-way starter and was recruited by many schools as a safety, but he preferred wide receiver.

As a redshirt freshman Robinson caught 33 passes for 471 yards and three touchdowns.

As a sophomore he caught a career-long 50-yard touchdown pass against Charleston Southern, but over the final eight weeks of the season never caught more than two passes in a game.

“Last year my confidence was down a little in my ability to make plays,” he said. “But I worked hard in the offseason and got my confidence back.

“I was just trying to get a spot on the field this year,” Robinson said. “I was hoping my experience would help me out. I kept pushing and hoping I would get a chance.”