NFL Draft 2012: Exclusive Interview with Central Florida CB Josh Robinson

Continuing our run at NFL Draft prospect interviews, we got some time to speak with Central Florida cornerback Josh Robinson.

Robinson declared for the draft after his junior season. He leaves UCF after three years with a lot of honors — two-time first-team All-Conference USA, voted All-Conference USA second team as a true freshman,  honorable mention All-Conference USA special teams honors and was named to the Conference USA All-Freshman team.

Robinson is being considered by draft pundits as a potential first-round pick. He took the time out of his busy training schedule to answer some questions for NFL Spin Zone. Here is what Josh had to say:

Chris Boyle: What does it mean to you to be the fastest man at the combine?

Josh Robinson: That was a great accomplishment. I thank God for it. I hope it helps me out as far as my draft status.

Boyle: After the 40, did the Oakland Raiders tell you what round they were planning to draft you in?

Robinson: I was thinking about it for a second. A lot of people always want to make that comment. I wish Al Davis was still around, rest his soul, to help me out and take me in the first round.

Boyle: How much do you feel your combine performance validated your decision to come out early?

Robinson: I think it helped a lot. I felt that if I could get an opportunity to perform at the combine, it would help my draft status.

Boyle: Talk about the decision to leave UCF. How did your teammates and coaches react?

Robinson: A lot of my teammates felt that I could make it the next level. They were very supportive of me. I felt it was better for UCF in the future to show that a guy could do what he needs to do. Coach O’Leary was supportive and helped me as far as dealing with the NFL advisory committee. I felt a lot of people encouraged me and supported me going forward.

Boyle: Was it a surprise to them?

Robinson: I think it was a surprise. A lot of people and coaches expected me to come back. I felt I was ready. I felt I was capable so I went on and made the decision.

Boyle: Were there any doubts along the way?

Robinson: No sir. None at all.

Boyle: What was your relationship with head coach George O’Leary like the last three years?

Robinson: It was a relatively good relationship. I understood what he expected out of players, and that’s what I did. I tried to exceed it. He liked me. He hates liars, and I always honest with him.

Boyle: At the combine, you got an opportunity to compete alongside players from “big schools”. Did you feel any kind of chip on your shoulder to show them it doesn’t matter where you went to school?

Robinson: I’ve had that chip on my shoulder ever since I started college. When I stepped on the field, I was like ‘It’s on now.’

Boyle: Aside from speed, what else do you feel you will bring to an NFL team?

Robinson: Versatility. One thing that helps me out is being able to play nickelback or safety. I’m trying to do different things on special teams as a gunner and returner. I am able to contribute to any team’s success.

Boyle: What can fans expect out of your game? Are you more of a man-to-man corner or zone? Do you play press or off?

Robinson: They can expect me to do whatever the team wants me to do. If they ask me to play man, I’m great at man and that’s my favorite. If they need me to play zone, I’ve played that the last three years. Whatever the team needs me to do, the fans can expect me to get the job done.

Boyle: Is there a certain team you hope to play for, like one you grew up rooting for?

Robinson: Growing up, I rooted for the Philadelphia Eagles. At this point, I have no favorite team anymore. It would be a dream come true to play for any team. I’m going to give it my all.

Boyle: What do you plan on doing between now and the NFL Draft in April?

Robinson: Right now, I’m training every morning; waking up and going to work to make it. My plan is to keep working. I’m training at Pete Bommarito’s in Miami. I trained at Athletes Performance in L.A. before the combine.

Boyle: How do you think UCF will fare in the Big East in the coming years?

Robinson: I think they’ll excel. I think they’ll be a great contender. They’ll compete hard every game day in and day out. I look forward to supporting them in the future. I was hoping they would have been in it this year. But I’ll be very supportive the rest of my life.

Boyle: March Madness starts tomorrow, who do you have taking it all?

Robinson: FSU.

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