Oct. 28, 2010
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By John Denton
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The fact that Josh Robinson has yet to pick off a pass this season after leading the nation last season in interceptions for a freshman would seem to suggest that the UCF standout cornerback is having a down year.
But in all actuality, that couldn't be further from the truth for the speedy, shutdown cornerback.
Because Robinson has been so smothering on opposing wide receivers, quarterbacks have, for the most part, refused to throw the ball to his side of the field. His coverage skills have led to much fewer opportunities, and even though he has eight pass break-ups, he's yet to snag an interception after getting six of them last season.
On the one hand, the respect factor from opponents is nice, Robinson said. But the playmaker in him is dying to be challenged more so that he can make things happen in a big way for UCF's nationally acclaimed defense.
``Really, I want them to throw at me. I always want that challenge,'' Robinson said boldly. ``I'm just doing my best to work every day in practice and be ready when they do throw my way.''
Robinson's opportunity for more action in the air should come this Saturday when UCF (5-2 overall and 3-0 in Conference USA play) hosts rival East Carolina (5-2, 4-0) and the Pirates' pass-happy offense. Quarterback Dominique Davis has already thrown for 2,023 yards and 18 touchdowns. And his top target, Dwayne Harris, should present a major matchup for Robinson on the outside in one-on-one matchups.
Harris is among East Carolina's career leaders in receptions (221), yards (2,482) and touchdown catches (15), and he's in the midst of his finest season yet. Harris, who has caught a pass in 38 straight games, is sixth in the nation in catches per game (7.7) and has 604 receiving yards and five TD catches.
``You look forward to something like this, especially after last week when I didn't get much action at all. Every corner, every safety, every DB is looking forward to this challenge,'' Robinson said. ``(Harris) is a great player. I had a chance to play him last year and I kind of know what he likes to do and the moves that he likes to make. I've just been watching him closely. He's a good athlete.''
Last season's 19-14 loss to East Carolina was must-see film study for Robinson. Harris burned the Knights for 10 catches and 121 yards and a 3-yard TD catch. He also had a 25-yard run for another score to lift ECU to its fourth consecutive defeat of the Knights.
Despite being a true freshman, Robinson was easily UCF's most dazzling defensive back last season. And even though he had nine tackles and a stop for a loss last year against East Carolina, he was irked that Harris was able to have such a good game against him. Unlike the teams that have mostly shied away from Robinson, East Carolina attacked him. He said he's used that game to drive him to work harder to be prepared for this showdown pitting arguably Conference USA's best receiver against its best cover corner.
``I've already watched last year's game, reminiscing on things that they did to me last year and making sure that it doesn't happen again,'' Robinson said. ``They threw at me six times in the first half (last season) and I'm trying to make sure that I'm prepared this year. It was not good. I can do much better than I did. That one got me really ready to play. I can't wait to get out there on Saturday.''
UCF head coach George O'Leary and defensive coordinator Dave Huxtable have pushed for Robinson to become more of a complete player this season. Last season, he had a flair for the dramatic and made several of his interceptions by recovering ground and breaking on the ball. This season, the focus has been more on footwork, helping in run support and taking away the routine balls to receivers in addition to making the big play.
Robinson's progress has paid off in a big way for the Knights. UCF's pass defense ranks ninth in the nation and first in C-USA, allowing just 158.2 yards a game through the air. And the Knights are seventh in the nation in total defense (259.7 yards per game), eighth in scoring defense (13.86 points per game) and ninth in run defense (101.43 yards per game). For his part, Robinson has 21 tackles, the eight pass break-ups and a 56-yard scoop-and-score fumble return against UAB.
``I'll tell you what - Josh has really stepped up his game this season,'' Huxtable said. ``He's been playing really good football for us. His confidence has really grown in himself and his ability. That field corner position, he's often out there solo and kind of on that island and he's done a nice job out there. I just see him as being a great, great player for us for a long time.''
Robinson knows that he has to be ready for it all against Harris, a player who is both physical and fast. He has a knack for taking short passes and turning them into long gainers by eluding defensive backs or using his power to break tackles. Robinson said he's studied every game that Harris has played and feels he'll be ready to keep the East Carolina star in check this time around.
``He's very physical and tough and he'll try to run you over every now and then. I'm preparing hard for him and coach has had the scout players working hard to get us ready for a guy like him,'' Robinson said. ``I just have the mindset to not give up anything at all on me. No runs, no passes and make them stay away from my side altogether. I'm stepping closer to my goal of being that guy for our defense.''
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John Denton's Knights Insider appears on UCFAthletics.com several times a week. E-mail John at jdenton@athletics.ucf.edu.