Tobias Robinson fills dire need in depleted IUP secondary

IUP having issues in its secondary is an understatement.

                  Cornerbacks Awkasi Owusu-Ansah and Myke Wells both left the program after stellar careers. Andre Henderson and his back-up Rory Marshall are still fighting their way back onto the field after suffering injuries a year ago.

                  This situation left IUP Head Coach Lou Tepper and the rest of the coaching staff in a bit of a bind to say the least, but as the saying goes "desperate times call for desperate measures."

                  Enter Tobias Robinson. Yes, that is now former running back Tobias Robinson, who back in January was presented with the opportunity to change sides of the ball for the first time since high school. With the backfield essentially set with Harvie Tuck and James Johnson, the decision was an easy one for Robinson as he didn't think twice about the opportunity.

                  "I don't know exactly how they chose me, but [the coaches] looked at a position that we needed somebody that could make that switch," Robinson said. "I guess I kind of fit the mold."

                  During his time at running back Robinson amassed a total of 2,179 yards and scored 18 rushing and two receiving touchdowns.

                  "Losing Tobias [Robinson] is rough, but being the athlete that Tobias he is should be able to just cope with everything and be able to just switch sides of the ball and just keep playing," quarterback Pat Smith said.

                   From an athletic standpoint, Robinson is an ideal choice for cornerback. The Lebanon native is 5 foot 11 inches, which is considered tall for the cornerback position. Anyone who has watched Robinson during the course of his IUP career understands that he is an exceptional athlete who had the capability of breaking plays open every time he touched the ball. The coaches even occasionally lined him up at the wide receiver spot because of his ability.

                  Along with his ability, Robinson has played corner before and has an idea of what it takes to play the position. Robinson has not played corner on the college level, however, and is learning every day in practice the differences between high school and college.

                  "It was a little different with the terminology and the skill level is a little bit different than high school, but it was an easy enough transition though," Robinson said.

                  One of the things making it tough on Robinson in his transition is teammates Mychal Skinner and Javon Rowan who he faces every day in practice.

                  "It's pretty tough, but going up against guys like that it's making me that much better." Robinson said. "I see why defensive backs have their problems with him in this league."

                  Robinson alone does not solve all of the secondary's problems, however, as he is not the only offensive player changing sides of the ball. Wide receiver Mike Scott has also become a member of the secondary, but unlike Robinson, who is making a permanent move, Scott's move is more of a band-aid until either Henderson or Marshall returns from injury.

                  Although Robinson will be making a permanent move to defense, the coaches will still attempt his abilities on offense as they have special packages geared towards getting the ball in Robinson's hands.

                  Robinson joins a defense that lost on top of Owusu-Ansah and Wells, leaders on the defense in Cosie Spigelmeyer and James Carson. Time will tell if Robinson will fill one of those leadership roles at his new home.

                  "I feel like I'm getting better each and every day," Robinson said. "Right now everything is on track."