Washington Redskins third-year wide receiver Aldrick Robinson enters his all-important third NFL season looking to seize the opportunity to significant playing time in an offense built for speed.
Robinson has been described by his coaches as one of the fastest players in the NFL, but needed time to adjust to a pro-style offense after his time in SMU's Run-N-Shoot offense.
Last year, he showed glimpses of brilliance, hauling in passes of 28, 29, 29 and 68 yards. Nine of his 11 receptions went for first downs.
However, after back-to-back games with deep ball touchdowns against the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, Robinson disappeared, not catching a pass for the final five games and playoffs.
His biggest goal heading into 2013 is to be a consistent contributor to the offense.
2012 Stat Line: 15 games, 11 receptions, 237 yards, three touchdowns.
In Head Coach Mike Shanahan's Words:
"What you like is consistency and if you take a look at Aldrick, everybody knows what type of speed he has. Can he make the big play? I think everybody has seen that, but for him to really step up his game, he's got to be consistent with the underneath routes as much as the deep routes.
"That's why you practice. [He is] a lot more comfortable with the system. You can see it. [He is] much improved, but we've got to, that's why you have camp, we've got a ways to go.
"If [he and fellow receiver Leonard Hankerson] want to be a starter, if you want to be a difference maker, you've just got to keep on improving. You've got to make big plays when the spotlight is on and to do that you've got to be consistent in practice.
"If you're not consistent in practice, you're not going to be consistent in the games. And that's what we stress to them; if you don't do it in practice, it's not going to carry over to game situations. So hopefully we keep on getting better here over the next month."
In His Quarterback's Words:
On which player has impressed him the most thus far in camp, Robert Griffin III named:
"Probably [wide receiver] Aldrick Robinson. He is a guy I actually played high school ball against him. It is good to see those guys make it, guys that you know. I think he has stepped his game up to the next level.
"He is a guy that we definitely have to get on the field a lot more. Very dynamic, very fast, the one thing he has really improved is his consistency catching the ball, especially in traffic. I think he can attest to that and you can see it out there in practice.
"He has just looked phenomenal. He is probably the guy that has impressed me the most."
In His Own Words:
Robinson talked to the media after hearing Robert Griffin III's comments about him and was understandably humbled.
"It means a lot coming from the starting quarterback, the leader of the team," Robinson said. "When he says something like that it means a lot.
"We got a history. He told me to keep working hard, and that's exactly what I'm doing. We have known each other since high school, competing against each other. He got the best of me in high school.
"We played in a playoff game against each other and he threw a game-winning touchdown, and it was on me. He watched me play, and I watched him play in high school. It's cool for both of us to see each other now at this level. It feels good to hear him say positive things about you."
During the offseason, Robinson dedicated himself to route running and getting more comfortable underneath. Robinson is a deep threat, but he can also be a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands.
"I've been working on my routes and being more consistent. I'm catching the ball well right now," he said. "Everybody knows I can go deep. I'm a speed guy. It helps me get open with speed routes, but I can still get open on short routes too.
"I think I have to be more consistent, but I really think I am coming along. Just got to keep working harder the next couple of days." With Pierre Garcon and Joshua Morgan leading the offense last season, Robinson understands that there are opportunities for playing time this season, and will be given to whoever proves their worth.
"I think I can be a huge contributor in the offense, in whatever role and whatever position they want to put me in," he said. "But in this league, you've got to be consistent. They don't want to see just speed but the all around game.
"We have a deep team with a lot of receivers. I'm just trying to get in that mix. Everybody allows each other to make plays. We've all got to make plays."
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