Trieu: Michigan appears to be leader for 'special' RB Tyson Robinson

Michigan is considered the leader for running back Tyson Robinson by Rivals, where several predictions are in for the Wolverines to land the 5-foot-9, 195-pound Jackson (Mississippi) Brandon standout.

That might seem surprising given how few Mississippi high school athletes have signed with Michigan over the years, but Robinson feels comfortable there.

Michgian appears to be in the lead to land a verbal commitment for Jackson (Mississippi) Brandon running back Tyson Robinson (17).

Running backs coach Tony Alford is the primary reason for that.

The Wolverines offered last June. Alford has been to the school, hosted Robinson at Michigan, and he will be back in Ann Arbor again the weekend of June 12 for an official visit.

“Coach Alford came in and did a great job,” said Andrew Watson, Brandon assistant coach and recruiting liaison. “I was there when Coach Alford first came by the school. He said he wanted to meet Tyson and if he is taking visits to Arizona State and Kansas State, he might as well come to Michigan. He was very genuine, and that made an impression on Tyson and his family. He took the trip and it felt like home.”

Watson has coached Robinson for three years, but has known him since his youth football days. His youth team, coached by his father, would use the high school’s practice field, and Watson saw the talent right away and hoped he would get to coach him one day.

“I knew something was special about him,” Watson said. “He reminded me of LaDainian Tomlinson because he had the dark visor and he wore the No. 21 jersey. His physique has always been filled out because his dad is this buff-looking guy with broad shoulders, defined biceps and calves, and Tyson has every bit of that passed along from his dad. He looks like a college sophomore now. He’s a special kid.”

Robinson is a solid 5-foot-10, 200 pounds. He is a versatile back. Last season, he rushed for 1,295 yards and 24 touchdowns, but also caught 42 passes for 668 yards and 10 touchdowns. He averaged 7.4 yards a carry.

“His vision and acceleration sets him apart,” Watson said. “He can cut on a dime. His football IQ is very, very high. He loves the game. His brothers played Division 1 ball, his father was a youth coach for over 10 years, so he’s been around the game. He has the vision I haven’t seen from a kid since (now running back) .”