Nov. 12, 2008

By Chris Chambers, Athletics Media Relations Staff

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Adversity comes in many shapes and sizes, and for Maryland senior special teams extraordinaire Drew Robinson, time has stood in his way. After spending two years at nearby Division II school, Bowie State, Robinson felt he needed a change of scenery and decided to try his chances at the University of Maryland.

Robinson arrived in College Park eager to continue his academic and collegiate football careers. Yet despite redshirting his freshman year at Bowie State in 2004, Robinson endured being a spectator yet again for the 2006 season due to NCAA transfer requirements.

"Sitting was tough. I wasn't recruited to play at Maryland, but I felt it was a better opportunity academically and athletically," Robinson said. "I wasn't expecting anybody to know who I was, but I strived to make big plays on the scout team."

Yet, how does a former Division II player motivate himself to have the conviction to play on the Atlantic Coast Conference stage?

"My main drive during the 2006 season was I knew I could play here even though I was a practice dummy," Robinson said. "I loved being a part of the team. I wanted to contribute immediately."

That hard work and perseverance paid dividends for Robinson last season, when he earned minutes in nine games as a member of Terps special teams' unit.

With one year of scout team experience under his belt, Robinson entered the 2008 camp as a backup strong safety. Ultimately, his aggressive demeanor as a cornerback allowed him to transition successfully to the safety position.

The mental and physical toughness that Robinson gained through his years on the sideline prepared him to thrive during camp. After an impressive two weeks, the unthinkable happened. Robinson severely injured his shoulder by tearing his labrum during a preseason practice. Forced to miss the rest of camp, Robinson faced adversity yet again.

"Hurting my shoulder was devastating. Here I am, going into my senior year in the best shape of my life, and I am sidelined again," Robinson said.

After missing the first four weeks of the season, Robinson returned to his haven on the football field during the Sept. 27 upset victory at Clemson.

"Playing in the Clemson game was a breath of fresh air, especially with the big win on the road," Robinson said.

Robinson's strong efforts and passion for football have not gone unnoticed by teammates. He has emerged as a leader for the special teams unit also known as the `Hit Squad'. He often leads the team in prayer before games. Senior defensive back Kevin Barnes describes Robinson as one of the hardest working individuals on the team.

As he has prepared for the Oct. 18 shutout home win over Wake Forest, Robinson felt rejuvenated and eager to help the Terps as the team hopes to keeps the season's perfect home record intact.

"I can't explain the feeling I had for that game," Robinson said. "Finally being able to play full strength in front of my family and home crowd, it felt great. I am back in action."

Seemingly nothing stands in the way for Robinson. Football has taught him valuable lessons of patience and adversity. His difficult experiences have allowed him to inflict his will on anything that has stood in his way.

"Through the sitting out, not getting the repetitions in practice I wanted, I've been patient and things are starting to open for me," Robinson said.

After graduation, Robinson, a family science major, plans to pursue a career in physical therapy and teach children the values of the game he loves.

Adversity stands no chance.