Jacksonville 'backer talks favorites

While T.J. Robinson plays with reckless abandon between the lines, he is being very pragmatic about the recruiting process. The outside linebacker prospect from Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian Academy will likely wait until midway through his senior season before making his college decision.

"By the end of the summer, I will have a group of five who will be my top schools and then I will narrow it down from there," he said. "I know during the season I might have other offers come in but everyone has seen my film and you can't just go chase a logo. You have to feel good about the college you go to."

Robinson is not ready to name five finalists yet, but he said Syracuse, Colorado, UNC Charlotte, Southern Miss and Florida International are currently standing out. He is also considering Western Kentucky, Georgia Southern and Middle Tennessee State. All of those programs have extended an offer.

The 6-foot-0, 205-pound Robinson received his offer from the Buffaloes in May, and he likes what he has heard from Colorado's coaches.

"I am going to go up there probably on an official [visit] or maybe even before that on an unofficial visit to go check them out," Robinson said of Colorado. "It is a Pac-12 school so I feel like it is perfect for me because I am considered an undersized linebacker, and that is where undersized linebackers go. I could bring my Florida speed out there and have success in the Pac-12.

"I really like Colorado because [cornerbacks] coach [Charles] Clark told me they have a couple upperclassmen linebackers and there is going to be an opportunity for me to come in and compete for a spot in the Pac-12."

Like most recruits say when asked what they are looking for in a college, Robinson said he wants to feel at home at the school he chooses.

"And I want to make sure my relationship with the coaches is going to be solid," he added. "I want to make sure the coaches aren't going to act differently when I come there to play for them. I am basically looking for a family atmosphere."

Robinson prides himself on his intensity as a football player. He racked up double digit sacks during his junior campaign.

"I have a very high motor and good speed. I am loud and live on the field," he said.