Jordan Robinson played Division II football last year. Now he's committed to Kentucky. (Photo by Jordan Robinson Twitter)
Kentucky coach Mark Stoops and recruiting coordinator Vince Marrow had no choice but to look for undeveloped gems during their early years at Kentucky. The more UK won, the more the level of recruiting increased.
Not that Stoops and his staff have not been great at developing players but they have not had to take as many gambles in signing players the last few years as the talent level — verified by the players taken in the NFL Draft — has increased.
However, the Kentucky coaches obviously think they had landed a recruiting steal in cornerback Jordan Robinson, who recently announced his commitment to UK.
The Cats hoped to add secondary depth in the transfer portal and got starter Keidron Smith from Ole Miss just a few days before Robinson committed to Kentucky.
Robinson played at Division II Livingston College and had 13 tackles and one interception last season.
Matt Quinn, his South Carolina high school coach, posted on Twitter that he was excited about his player playing in the SEC.
“I saw this ability in his senior season. COVID only allowed us to play 4 games and recruiting dropped. But he went out and PROVED himself without making excuses! So proud of you, kid!” Quinn posted on Twitter.
He had committed to Appalachian State in March but then got an offer from Oregon State. Kentucky defensive backs coach Chris Collins, who has ties to South Carolina, obviously liked what he saw in the 6-4, 195-pound Robinson and also extended a scholarship offer. However, Robinson waited until after Smith committed to UK before he made his decision public.
While Smith is proven against SEC competition, Robinson obviously will need time to develop but Stoops has sent four defensive backs — Lonnie Johnson, Kelvin Joseph, Mike Edwards and Brandin Echols — to the NFL and Yusuf Corker could be drafted this weekend.
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Kentucky has now added Smith, Robinson, Alabama receiver Javon Baker, Virginia Tech receiver Tayvion Robinson, Auburn offensive guard Tashawn Manning and Ohio State defensive lineman Darrion Henry-Young through the transfer portal and has had 16 players leave the roster through the transfer portal.
