Jerry Robinson: A UCLA Football Legend
The UCLA Bruins football program has a rich history, marked by periods of success, outstanding players, and memorable moments. Among the notable alumni who have contributed to the Bruins' legacy, Jerry Robinson stands out as a defensive powerhouse and a true embodiment of the UCLA spirit.
Early Years and Arrival at UCLA
Jerry Robinson's journey to UCLA began at Cardinal Newman High School in Santa Rosa, California, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete. Captaining the football, basketball, and track teams, Robinson showcased his exceptional athleticism by running the 100-yard dash in 9.5 seconds and high jumping 6 feet 5 inches. His success moving through high school and forward was because of coach Ed Lloyd. He learned the fundamentals and the technique of the game at Cardinal Newman High School.
Initially recruited as a tight end, Robinson's versatility led to a position change during his freshman year. Just before the Rose Bowl game with Ohio State, he was switched to inside linebacker, a move that would prove transformative for both Robinson and the Bruins.
A Defensive Force: Robinson's Impact on the Bruins
As a linebacker, Jerry Robinson quickly established himself as a dominant force on the UCLA defense. His exceptional talent and relentless pursuit of the ball carrier made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Robinson's impact was immediate and profound, earning him All-America honors three times. He was a consensus choice in 1976, and unanimous in 1977 and 1978.
Robinson's statistical achievements at UCLA are a testament to his prowess on the field:
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- Career Tackles: His career total of 468 tackles set a UCLA record. Nobody has recorded more career tackles at UCLA than Kendricks' 481.
- Single-Game Tackles: He set a school record for most tackles in one game with 28 against Air Force in 1976. He had 23 tackles against Southern California in 1977. He made 21 tackles in two other games and 20 once.
- Season Tackles: He ranked first, second, and third in tackles per season with 161, 159, 147, respectively. His 161 tackles from 1978 and 159 recorded in 1976 rank Nos. 1 and 2 at UCLA, respectively, for a season.
- Interceptions: He returned intercepted passes for touchdowns three times on runs of 95, 72, 69 yards.
These remarkable statistics underscore Robinson's consistent excellence and his ability to make game-changing plays. His 468 career tackles rank second in program history, while his 161 tackles from 1978 and 159 recorded in 1976 rank Nos. 1 and 2 at UCLA, respectively, for a season. A three-time consensus All-American, Robinson recorded 28 tackles against Air Force in 1976. He also returned three interceptions for touchdowns during his career.
Honors and Recognition
Jerry Robinson's outstanding contributions to UCLA football did not go unnoticed. He received numerous accolades and honors throughout his collegiate career, solidifying his place among the Bruins' all-time greats:
- All-America Honors: Three-time All-America selection (consensus in 1976, unanimous in 1977 and 1978)
- Linebacker of the Year: The Downtown Athletic Club of New York named him Linebacker of the Year in 1977 and 1978.
- Pop Warner Award: He received the Pop Warner Award as best west coast player in 1978.
- Retired Jersey: Robinson stood 6-3, weighed 208, and wore jersey No. 84, which UCLA retired. The most recent of the 10 Bruins to have their jersey numbers retired by the university.
- College Football Hall of Fame: It all earned him a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame.
These honors reflect the high regard in which Robinson was held by coaches, teammates, and fans alike. His dedication, talent, and leadership on and off the field made him a true role model for aspiring athletes.
Read also: Jerry Rice's legendary college football journey
Read also: Learn about the Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship
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