June 14, 2011
="" alt="Knight Head" border="0" class="imported"> Read John Denton's Knights Insider | ="" alt="Twitter Logo" border="0" class="imported">Follow us on Twitter | ="" alt="Facebook Logo" border="0" class="imported">Get social with the Knights on Facebook
By John Denton
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - With the opening of training camp less than two months away and the Sept. 3 opener at Bright House Networks Stadium against Charleston Southern approaching, UCFAthletics.com's John Denton takes a look at junior cornerback Josh Robinson.
PLAYER: Josh Robinson
POSITION: Cornerback
HEIGHT, WEIGHT, CLASS: 5-10, 197, Junior
HOMETOWN: Sunrise, Fla.
BEST ON-FIELD TRAITS: Robinson is one of UCF's best competitors, rising to his best in the Knights' biggest games. That was evident last season against East Carolina (11 tackles), SMU (seven tackles, an interception and two pass breakups) and Georgia (four tackles, a breakup and helped to shut down A.J. Green).
2010 STATISTICS: Robinson was an All-Conference USA selection for a second straight season and has quickly established himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the nation. He had 59 tackles, two interceptions and 13 pass breakups last season as quarterbacks mostly stayed away from throwing the ball to his side of the field. He had a huge game in the C-USA Championship, recording seven tackles, an interception and two pass breakups. He also emerged as a threat as a punt returner, averaging 17.3 yards per return.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: After a freshman season in which he picked off six passes, Robinson grew frustrated at times last season as quarterbacks often shied away from throwing the ball his way. He still had quite an impact, ranking in UCF's top five all-time with 13 pass breakups. He picked off two passes - one of them coming in the C-USA title game to stop an SMU scoring drive. And Robinson, who has modeled his game after former UCF great Joe Burnett, was a threat in the return game by taking a fumble back 56 yards against UAB and averaging 17.3 yards on punt returns.
WHERE HE'S BETTER: Knowing that the eyes of NFL scouts will likely be on his every movement this season, Robinson has worked hard to become a better practice player and a more complete cornerback. And he's putting in the work now needed to become a top punt returner. If Robinson gets the chances this season, he could very well become an All-American because of his ball-hawking skills and ability to close ground on receivers.
UCF 2011 football season ticket packages can be purchased or renewed online at UCFAthletics.com or by calling the UCF Athletics Ticket Office at (407) 823-1000. Home games include Charleston Southern [Champions UKNIGHT (Sept. 3)], Boston College [Hall of Fame Weekend (Sept. 10)], Marshall (Oct. 8), Memphis [Alumni UKNIGHT - Homecoming 2011 (Oct. 29)], Tulsa (Nov. 5) and UTEP [Senior Day (Nov. 26)]. Should UCF host the C-USA Championship Game for the fourth time in seven years, it would be played on Saturday, Dec. 3 and season ticket holders will receive the first shot at the best seats.