Bijan Robinson Shines As Sophomore, Preps For Junior Year

Salpointe Catholic running back Bijan Robinson described himself as a “quiet” leader in his sophomore campaign.

He might be quiet, but his play is loud.

As a sophomore, Robinson ran for over 2,000 yards, averaged a first down a carry and scored 30 times.

It all went according to plan according to Robinson.

“The goals that I set: I wanted to hit the 2,000 yard mark, I was trying to break that, and God gave me the ability to break it,” Robinson said. “This year, it was all a blur. From last year, it was a little tougher, but this year, it was a little easier.”

The same went for his coach, Dennis Bene.

“He surpassed my expectations and played at a level few sophomores ever attain,” Bene said in a a message. “I am most proud of his growth and maturity mentally and the humility in which he carries himself.”

The Lancers made it to the 4A state title game, and Robinson looked to leaders Matteo Mele and Mario Padilla as examples on the offense. He hopes to have the same effect moving forward as he shares the backfield again with Padilla.

#SalpointeCatholic RB Bijan Robinson just hurdled over this poor #TucsonHigh defender. 😱😱😱Arizona needs to get this dude ASAP! pic.twitter.com/FzvPH6TXfb
— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) September 9, 2017

“Even from last year, they helped me a lot to bring up what I needed,” Robinson said. “For this year, they told me the expectations we needed to pass.”

With two years to go in his high school career, both Robinson and Bene are already starting the prep process for his junior season.

“We will focus on his strength, speed and flexibility in the offseason,” Bene said. “He doesn’t need to waste his time with 7-on-7 in he winter – He needs to prepare his body to carry more of a load in 2018.”

Robinson wants to bring a state championship, and the Ed Doherty Award, to Salpointe Catholic. Doherty was a coach at Salpointe Catholic, and Robinson was a nominee in 2017.

“(Dennis Bene) preaches (Doherty) was the greatest coach to come out of Salpointe,” Robinson said. “I pray I would win so I can give Salpointe the chance to relive him and his legacy at Salpointe.”

It’s safe to say Robinson will definitely have a shot to bring that award to the Lancers the next two years.