One of the top running backs in the SEC has decided to call it a collegiate career.
On social media prior to Mississippi State kicking off its Orange Bowl matchup with Georgia Tech, Josh Robinson confirmed that the bowl game is his last and that he will forego his remaining eligibility for early entry into the 2015 NFL draft. In a subsequent interview with ESPN.com, Robinson said the fact that he will already has his degree in hand played a role in his decision.
“I came through with my plan. I’m going to graduate; I had a great year; and I knew that was all going to happen,” Robinson said. “I just want to count my chips and give thanks to the Bulldog fans, [athletic director] Scott Stricklin, [school president] Dr. [Mark] Keenum and coach [Dan] Mullen for letting me lead the program, and do what I do.
“I talked to God and prayed on it a lot, and this is what it led me to.”
In State’s Orange Bowl loss to Georgia Tech, Robinson was limited to 75 yards on 13 carries. It marked the sixth straight game he had been held under 100 yards since rushing for a career-high 198 in an Oct. 25 win over Kentucky.
Robinson’s 1,203 yards rushing in 2014 led the Bulldogs and was good for third in the SEC. For his efforts, he was named second-team all-conference.
In his interview with ESPN, Robinson confirmed that he didn’t receive a draft grade within the first two rounds by the NFL’s advisory board.