Spring football capsule: Robinson

Around the county in 30 days

A daily spring preview of every football program in Hillsborough County

Robinson

Coach: Mike DePue (seventh season, 41-35)

Last season: 10-3 (lost 33-0 to Belle Glade Glades Central in state semifinals)

District: Class 2A, District 5

Key losses: LB Steve Baker, DL Quinton Preston, DL D.J. Woods

Who’s back: LB Cameron Arnold, LB John Carter, WR/S Ruben Gonzalez, RB J.J. Hubbard, OL Andrew Meddaugh, DL Tevin Newman, WR Byron Pringle, QB Blake Rice, ATH Frankie Williams

What’s new: Expectations. Unless they self-destruct — and they did a bit of that in Friday’s penalty-marred half against Blake — the Knights appear poised to challenge for their first state title. All of Robinson’s significant skill players are back from last season, including Williams, a Division I prospect who returned a punt 101 yards for a touchdown Friday. Gonzalez (6-3, 200 pounds) might be the most physically impressive wideout in the county. If there’s a glaring concern, it’s size up front. Only three players on the Knights’ spring roster weigh 250 or more pounds.

Audible: “We lost three big kids and we’ve got some work to do up front. We’ve got to get bigger, faster and stronger up front.” — DePue

Did you know? So far, six rising seniors — Williams, Gonzalez, Newman, Hubbard, Meddaugh and first-year offensive lineman Richie Reay — have received scholarship offers. …Before Friday’s jamboree, a moment of silence was observed for former Knights player and coach Randy Smith, who died in March.

Spring result: Defeated Blake 27-7 in second half of Friday’s jamboree at Robinson

2010 schedule
Aug. 27     at St. Petersburg (preseason)
Sept. 3     at Leto
Sept. 16     vs. King
Sept. 24     vs. Middleton
Oct. 1     at Jesuit
Oct. 8     at Newsome
Oct. 15     vs. St. Petersburg Catholic
Oct. 22     vs. Lennard
Oct. 29     at Steinbrenner
Nov. 5     at Strawberry Crest
Nov. 12     vs. Plant

Teams in post

• Robinson High School