CBS Sports predicts Texas RB Bijan Robinson to win the Heisman Trophy in 2021
The hype and expectations surrounding former five-star running back Bijan Robinson have been high since he stepped foot on campus.
Robinson was the No. 1 running back in the 2020 recruiting class, and he surely fit the mold when he made the most of his limited opportunities on the field as a true freshman. He carried the ball 86 times over a span of nine games, rushing for 703 yards and four touchdowns. The most eye-popping statistic? He averaged an astonishing 8.2 yards per carry.
Now that he’s expected to take over as the clear-cut starter under first-year head coach Steve Sarkisian, the hype surrounding Robinson is at an all-time high entering the 2021 season.
Chip Patterson of 247Sports recently listed several bold predictions for the upcoming college football season, and Robinson taking home the Heisman Trophy was among them.
“Maybe the Heisman electorate has also gotten tired of the quarterback run, and Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith’s 2020 win was a turning point in the way voters think about contenders. Smith matched statistical excellence with the intangible recognition that he was simply the most outstanding player on the field. Robinson has the potential to match that profile with his explosiveness leading to highlight-worthy plays and the all-purpose nature of how he could be used in Texas’ offense basically guarantees yards and touchdowns both on the ground and through the air. Steve Sarkisian thrived as a game-planner and play-caller by moving Smith around and getting him the ball in space with Alabama last year, and he can do the same with Robinson with similar end-of-year results.”
Patterson noted the Heisman is still considered a quarterback award and the favorite candidates continue to be Spencer Rattler, D.J. Uiagalelei, J.T. Daniels, Sam Howell, Bryce Young, Kedon Slovis, D’Eriq King and C.J. Stroud. However, if the votes were to go the non-quarterback route, he believes it would be for Robinson.
Robinson is without a doubt the most valuable player on Texas’ roster this season and is expected to take on a heavy load with an inexperienced quarterback behind center. If the Longhorns claim a Big 12 title and fight for a College Football Playoff berth, it would be tough to discount Robinson’s case for the Heisman.
