Army running back Tyrell Robinson looks good in year-long return from knee injury
The second snap of the day was a simple toss play to the left that went for 6 yards but it meant so much more for Army and running back Tyrell Robinson.
Following a year of rehabilitation and weeks of speculation, the all-star Robinson made his heralded return to the lineup Saturday following a devastating ACL injury nearly one year to the day. It was met with joy and appreciation by the entire team and the West Point cadet corps.
“It was just a great opportunity to support my teammates,’’ said an understated Robinson following a 27-24 loss to Boston College. “It was great to be out there with my team. It was great to contribute to the team today, on the field, and it was really exciting.’’
More: Army celebrates return of Tyrell Robinson, lose late to Boston College
The official stat line reads seven carries for 31 yards, an average of 4.4 yards per attempt – that number pales in comparison to his averages of 7.1, 8.5 and 8.4 yards per carry over his first three seasons but his return is still a process. Robinson showed a little of his magic early in the third quarter on a 9-yard burst up the middle for his fifth career rushing touchdown.
“It looked just like it did in practice,’’ said Robinson, wisely thanking his offensive line. “It was really just exciting to get in the end zone and celebrate with my teammates.’’
Robinson displayed his value with a 21-yard pass connection from quarterback Bryson Daily early in the second quarter – that fell more in line with his average of 23.7 yards on 25 receptions over his first three seasons.
“It’s awesome having 2-1 back there,’’ said Daily, referring to Robinson’s uniform number. “He's a great player. He played really well today. It was really good to see him out there with us.’’
“We were thrilled to have him back,’’ said Army head coach Jeff Monken. “I love that kid. I am really pleased he’s healthy enough now to play. He is certainly helping us.
Robinson said he had no idea that he would out for an entire year, missing Army’s final seven games last season, spring practice, preseason camp and the first four games of this season.
“The trainers would tell me one thing and I was hearing another thing from other people,’’ Robinson said. “It was just however long it takes, as long as I come back healthy and I could contribute to this team. That's all that mattered.’’
Robinson said it was tough being away from his teammates as he rehabbed at different times. “It was definitely difficult, but the guys still surrounded me with love,’’ he said. “It's a Brotherhood. They never forgot about me.’’
Word leaked out that Robinson had begun practicing with the team recently, though with no contact. “The last couple weeks were like here or there,’’ Robinson said of getting the go-ahead to play. “We kind of knew that we were going to shoot for week five, my athletic trainer told me. … It's not really like a split decision; it's like a decision that lingers over weeks in how I'm feeling and how the trainers feel I’m moving.’’
Robinson gave credit to the medical, training and strength staffs for getting him ready to play and thanked the coaches and teammates for helping him along the way.
“I think the training staff did a really great job with my rehab,’’ he said.
“He’s such a dynamic player.’’ Monken said. “I think the more he plays, the more confidence he’s going to gain on that knee.’’
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Does Robinson expect to contribute more as the season goes along?
“I expect to do what I'm coached to do, sir,’’ he said.
X / Twitter: @KenMcMillanTHR
This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Army running back Tyrell Robinson enjoys successful return to lineup
