KY prospect spotlight: 2019 RB Wandale Robinson had a monster 2016
Wandale Robinson exploded onto the Kentucky high school football scene in 2016. As a sophomore, the dynamic running back amassed 2,014 yards rushing and 28 touchdowns complimented by 22 receptions for 434 yards and three scores.
KyPreps asked Robinson to explain his expanded 2016 role in Western Hills' offense and his exponential improvement in productivity.
"Mainly my physical growth. My freshman year I was about 5-foot-5, 140-pounds but then I leaped to 5-foot-8, 160-pounds. Also, the coaches had much more trust in me and the game slowed down a whole lot," said the 2,000-yard rusher.
Westen Hills assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Russell Floyd spoke about how Robinson's offseason growth and dedication to his craft gave the Wolverines offense a huge boost, helping them go from a 3-7 team in 2015 to 7-4 in 2016.
"His playmaking skills and desire to win made a HUGE difference in our improvement of course that (coupled) with a really good group of seniors and offensive lineman," remarked Floyd. "Offensively we are able to do a lot of different things because of Wandale. We move him around H-back, FB, WR and QB. This keeps teams from just keying on him in one spot and also allowed for our other players to either be open or have openings to run through because defenses had to key on Wandale."
Robinson said players "buying into the system" was key to the Wolverine's turnaround.
"We did most of the same stuff as we did my freshman year. It was never our coaches or practices we just had to get it through our head as a team we could be really good," admitted Robinson.
Robinson was also an impact player on defense for the Western Hills, notching 41 tackles (30 solo), three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and returning both a fumble and an interception for a touchdown.
He also scored on a kick return.
It is easy to see why he never comes off the field when you watch his film. He shows great vision and reaction to his environment which allows him to break on passes and take good pursuit angles from the secondary. He also uses his ability to accelerate and decelerate as a ball carrier to set up defenders in both the open field and between the tackles, then uses his speed to run by them. When defenders get a chance to make contact, he shows good strength and leg drive to break tackles.
Robinson is yet to receive any college offers but he plans to attend a few summer camps once baseball season is over. Robinson is the Wolverine's center fielder.
"I plan to attend (summer camps at) Kentucky, Louisville, Western Kentucky, and I also want to attend Rivals and Nike regional camps. I will probably go to other schools but I don't know exactly which ones right now," Robinson informed KyPreps.
Robinson is also a hard worker in the classroom as well and currently holds a 3.7 GPA. While he is only a sophomore, he plans to take the ACT for the first time in February 2017. In between studying, taking standardized tests, and playing baseball he also works out with his father, who is his personal fitness trainer. Robinson is definitely one to watch going forward and should be firmly on scouts' and opposing coaches' radars.