Robinson constantly with team

LeFlore linebacker Timothy Robinson didn't have college recruiters constantly calling his cell phone or Internet reporters stalking him in hopes of learning where he planned to play college football.

Don't let that fool you, though, because Robinson inspired his teammates to work hard and believe in themselves, even if college football wasn't in his future.

"He had brought a little leadership to the team and picked us up. We hadn't had that here at LeFlore," senior Freddie Dunson said of Robinson. "Then, as we started playing, everybody started listening to him and we started winning. Everybody started believing in one another."

Robinson, 18, suffered a brain injury while making a tackle near the goal line in the fourth quarter of an 18-13 victory over Spanish Fort on Oct. 9. He was rushed to nearby Mobile Infirmary and survived brain surgery. He has since been moved to a local rehab facility, and his family and friends have voiced confidence that he'll fully recover.

Robinson won't be on the sideline with the Rattlers this week as he continues his recovery, but his spirit remains with his teammates.

"When Tim got hurt, it just pulled a lot of people in and made us stronger like a family," running back Chris Polk said. "Tim was just an inspiration to this team."

Ask Robinson's teammates about him and they paint a picture of a devout Christian who dedicated himself to LeFlore football. The teen shared his personal beliefs through Christian rap, a medium that clearly resonated in the LeFlore locker room.

Robinson was the guy who called team meetings after lethargic August practices. Robinson was the guy who was the first to arrive for weightlifting sessions and the last to leave. Robinson was the guy with the vision that LeFlore football could transform from a doormat to a contender.

What might happen if Robinson spotted someone loafing at practice?

"Tim pushed us," junior receiver Danny Woodson Jr. said. "He'd come hard. He'd hit you. If you were going slow, he'd knock your helmet off or something."

LeFlore meets Beauregard at Ladd-Peebles Stadium Friday night in the school's first football playoff game since 2004. The Rattlers have won six straight games, a remarkable streak for a team still mourning Robinson's injury.

Even through Robinson won't be available to make a tackle or score a touchdown Friday night, he continues to influence his teammates and coaches. If attitude is everything, Robinson showed why.

"He prepared hard and he practiced hard and he loved the game," Rattlers coach Chris Raymond said. "All we're trying to do is channel that into the whole team, coaches included. Once you hit the practice field, give all you've got. Give your best because you never know when you won't be able to do it. While you're out there, enjoy yourself and have fun."

Wouldn't a win be the best get-well card of all for Robinson?

Contact Josh Bean at:

jbean@press-register.com

His column appears on Thursdays in the Press-Register.