By Scott Buttram
Earnest Robinson is accustomed to the limelight. The Pinson Valley High School play maker is one of the biggest weapons in Coach Matt Glover’s offensive arsenal.
It was Robinson who set the tone in the Indians overtime loss against Clay Chalkville, the number two ranked 6A team in the state, with a touchdown reception on the Indians’ first drive.
Today, with the spotlight shining bright, after Under Armor presented Robinson with his all-star jersey and he officially accepted an invitation to appear in the nationally televised game, his thoughts turned to others.
The consensus four star Auburn recruit said he wants to be an example for young people from teammates to youth league players.
“I just want to be the role model for them. Just focus and do good in school and everything will be in front of them,” Robinson said. “Everything will be gold
. Just keep your mind on school and stay out of trouble.”
Unlike Charles Barkley’s infamous “I am not a role model” stance, Robinson said he sees the attention as an opportunity.
“I take being a role model real serious,” Robinson said. “Like Nick Gibson, he’s looking up to me. All these little kids are watching me. I’m trying to be a better role model for them.”
For Glover, it was an opportunity to show his younger players what can happen to them.
“We brought all of our football kids in so, hopefully, they’ll see what can happen, Glover said. “I’m sure when Earnest was a 9th grader he didn’t think he would be at this point.”
Glover said that having the spotlight shine on Robinson is good for the team as a whole.
“I think any type of exposure you get it great exposure,” he said. “Hopefully, you’ll have kids aspiring to do this and work hard like Earnest has.”
