The Clemson Insider gives a scouting report on every player on Clemson’s summer depth chart. We will break down what the player does best, what he needs to work on, how he compares to other former players at his position and where he fits on the Clemson roster.
Player name: Jabril Robinson (6-2, 265)
Player position: Defensive tackle
Years left of eligibility: 2 years
Current rank on depth chart: Co-second team
Player productivity so far: Robinson has seen playing time as a reserve the last two seasons. He has 19 career tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks while playing in 12 games. In 2016, he had five tackles in 65 snaps in 6 games.
What player does best: A converted defensive end, Robinson is quick with his hands and quick off the ball, which allows him to get around bigger and slower guards and centers.
What player needs to work on: Robinson is still working on his fundamentals and technique, but the main thing he needs to work on is something he can do little about. At 6-foot-2, 265, he is a little undersized for a defensive tackle so he needs to continue to get stronger and try to gain as much weight as possible.
Productivity of former Clemson players at the position:
Grady Jarrett, 2012: He played in all 13 games and started 11. He totaled 49 tackles, including 8.5 tackles for loss. He had two sacks and 10 quarterback pressures.
Grady Jarrett, 2014: He was a third-team All-American after recording 73 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss. He had 1.5 sacks and 12 quarterback pressures.
Carlos Watkins, 2015: He played in 15 games. He totaled 69 tackles, including 8 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He also had 3 deflected passes and returned an interception 15 yards for a touchdown.
Carlos Watkins, 2016: He was a second-team All-American after recording 82 tackles, including 13.5 tackles for loss. He had 10.5 sacks, the most by a Clemson defensive tackle in school history. He also deflected four passes and had 13 quarterback pressures.
What can you hope for? With so much ability and depth in the tackle rotation, Robinson tends to be forgotten about as he has played sparingly the past two years. Entering his redshirt junior season, he is looking to carve out a bigger role.
What is a realistic expectation? The former Shrine Bowl selection showed glimpses of his potential this spring and could be a more regular contributor come fall.
What about the future? Robinson notched six tackles including a tackle for loss in the spring game, and defensive coordinator Brent Venables said the Tigers are counting on him to take a step forward this season.
—Photo Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
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