The Great Story that is Josh Robinson

Josh Robinson has a great story. It’s a story about how you can make a positive impact and do great things no matter what your circumstances are. A story that proves that a humble attitude and faithful spirit will be rewarded.

Last week I was at a gas station in Leeds, Alabama. The guy pumping gas next to me noticed my Mississippi State t-shirt and we struck up a conversation about the football team. He told me he about how he was a walk-on player in 2013 but had to leave the team for family reasons. When Josh Robinson’s name came up he said, “I am so happy for that guy, he deserves it. He is a great teammate and such a humble guy”.

Josh Robinson was basically orphaned at the age of 11 when his grandmother passed away. He bounced around from home to home, even living in his car. All the excuses in the world to give up or go down the wrong path, but he didn’t. Josh did the opposite – he worked hard on the football field and in the classroom.

JRob had huge numbers in the Louisiana 4A high school ranks, even leading Franklinton to a state championship, but he was only valued as a three-star by recruiting services…and MSU was the only SEC school to offer him a scholarship. Not too many people knew what to expect out of a 5′-9″ 205 pound running back – he redshirted his freshman year in 2011, bulking up to 215 lbs.

As a redshirt freshman in 2012, Robinson tallied 335 rushing yards while splitting the backup role with Derrick Milton and Nick Griffin. His 6.1 YPC that year, then 5.9 in 2013 drew the attention of many fans. Some believed it was Robinson as a sophomore who should have been the featured back over senior LaDarius Perkins, and he may have proved it by gaining 101 yards (and making a great block on the game-winning touchdown) to help beat Arkansas.

The position of starting running back was clearly JRob’s heading into 2014. He has exceeded expectations by leading the SEC with 887 yards through just seven games. He is averaging 7.3 YPC and features road game performances of 197 and 198 yards against LSU and Kentucky respectively.

“The bowling ball” has been incredible this year. His story is even more incredible. You can’t help but grin when you hear him talk – he’s so true and genuine it makes you take a step back. Not often do you hear someone who is totally honest and not ashamed to be who he is, especially in front of a national audience. Josh loves to smile and enjoy life – considering the obstacles he’s had to overcome in his life, it’s a great message to anyone that you can overcome, and you can be happy no matter who you are.

I think these excerpts from ESPN’s story on Josh sum up why he is who he is:

"[Josh’s grandmother] taught Robinson to respect women, preached the value of the words “sir” and “ma’am,” and introduced Robinson to a devout Christian lifestyle, Brown played a key role in Robinson’s upbringing.Years later in high school, Robinson saved enough money from working around town to buy an old Nissan Maxima for around $2,000. For about eight months, it served as both transportation and a place to sleep some nights..Robinson said he was too proud to tell anyone about his sleeping arrangements. Too stubborn to ask for help, Robinson used an infectious smile and bubbly personality to mask his strife.“I made the best out of it,” Robinson said. “I had to. There’s no point in being miserable, you have to be happy.”"