Who is Wan'Dale Robinson? Born on January 5, 2001, in Frankfort, Kentucky, Wan'Dale Robinson is a rising star in the NFL, currently playing as a wide receiver for the New York Giants. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches and weighing 185 pounds, Robinson's journey from high school standout to professional athlete is marked by determination and versatility. He played college football at Nebraska and Kentucky, showcasing his skills in multiple positions. Drafted by the Giants in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Robinson has already made significant contributions despite facing injuries. His unique playing style and potential make him a player to watch.
Key Takeaways:
- Wan'Dale Robinson, a versatile football player, overcame challenges from high school to the NFL, showcasing resilience and potential for a breakout campaign with the New York Giants.
- Despite his size, Wan'Dale Robinson's adaptability and consistent performance make him a promising player, with opportunities for growth and increased impact in the NFL.
Early Life and High School Achievements
Wan'Dale Robinson's journey to the NFL began in Frankfort, Kentucky, where he showcased his versatility and talent from a young age.
- Birthdate and Place: Born on January 5, 2001, in Frankfort, Kentucky, Robinson's roots are deeply tied to his hometown.
- Height and Weight: Standing at 5 feet 8 inches and weighing 185 pounds, he defies the odds with his size.
- High School Achievements: At Western Hills High School, he played multiple positions, including safety, linebacker, receiver, quarterback, running back, punt returner, and kickoff returner.
- High School Records: Accumulated 6,795 rushing yards and 97 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 11.1 yards per carry.
- High School Awards: Won the Paul Hornung Award as the state’s top player and was named the Gatorade Kentucky Player of the Year for his senior season.
- Consensus 4-Star Recruit: Rated as a consensus 4-star recruit, he received 19 scholarship offers from top programs like Alabama, Ohio State, and Michigan.
College Career: Nebraska and Kentucky
Robinson's college career saw him excel at both Nebraska and Kentucky, showcasing his adaptability and skill.
- College Background: Played college football at both Nebraska and Kentucky, initially committing to Nebraska before transferring to Kentucky.
- College Statistics at Nebraska: In his freshman year, he rushed for 340 yards on 88 carries and recorded 40 receptions for 453 yards.
- Sophomore Year at Nebraska: Recorded 46 rushes for 240 yards and 51 receptions for 461 yards, maintaining consistent performance.
- College Awards at Nebraska: Named a Freshman All-American by The Athletic and earned honorable mention All-Big Ten by conference coaches.
- Transfer to Kentucky: Announced his decision to transfer on January 11, 2021, and committed to Kentucky four days later.
- College Statistics at Kentucky: In his junior season, he accumulated 104 receptions for 1,334 yards and 7 touchdown receptions in 13 games.
- Citrus Bowl Victory: Helped the Wildcats win the Citrus Bowl in 2021, capping off an impressive season.
NFL Draft and Early Professional Career
Robinson's transition to the NFL has been marked by both promise and challenges, including injuries and standout performances.
- NFL Draft Selection: Selected by the New York Giants in the second round (43rd overall) of the 2022 NFL draft.
- NFL Debut: Made his debut in the Giants' 2022 season opener against the Tennessee Titans as the starting slot receiver.
- Injury in Debut: Suffered a knee injury in his debut game, sidelining him for the rest of the match.
- Return from Injury: Returned in Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens, recording three receptions for 37 yards and a touchdown.
- Rookie Season Performance: Finished his rookie season with 23 receptions for 227 yards and one touchdown in six games.
- Injury in Rookie Season: Suffered an ACL tear in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions, leading to his placement on injured reserve.
2023 Season and Beyond
Robinson's 2023 season has shown his resilience and potential, with notable performances and a promising outlook.
- Return in 2023 Season: Returned strong with 60 receptions for 525 yards and one receiving touchdown, along with one rushing touchdown.
- Performance in 2023 Season: Achieved a season-high 115 total yards in Week 14 against the Green Bay Packers, contributing to a game-winning field goal.
- Current Role with Giants: Operates primarily in a short-area role, often securing multiple receptions but sometimes struggling to exceed 50 receiving yards per game.
- Fantasy Football Viability: His fantasy football viability is largely limited to full-PPR formats due to modest yardage totals despite consistent receptions.
- CBS Sports Recognition: Recognized by CBS Sports as an under-the-radar player who could become a big star in 2024, citing his impressive catch rate and potential for increased opportunities.
Physical Attributes and Combine Performance
Robinson's physical attributes and combine performance provide insight into his capabilities and areas for improvement.
- Pro Football Focus Grades: Earned an impressive 85.9 Pro Football Focus receiving grade during his college career.
- Combine Results: Recorded a 40-yard dash time of 4.44 seconds, a vertical jump of 34.5 inches, and a broad jump of 9’10”.
- Arm Length and Hand Span: Notable for his short arm length and hand span, which could be a concern against taller defenders.
- Route Running Ability: Flashes the change-of-direction ability and explosion out of breaks to create separation on short and intermediate routes.
Career Statistics and Advanced Metrics
Robinson's career statistics and advanced metrics highlight his contributions and potential impact on the field.
- Receiving & Rushing Statistics: In 21 games, he has 83 receptions for 752 yards, 9.1 yards per reception, and 2 touchdowns. In 11 games, he has 109 rushing attempts for 86 yards and 1 touchdown.
- Advanced Receiving & Rushing Statistics: Boasts a catch rate of 76.1%, indicating his reliability in securing passes.
- Defense & Fumbles Statistics: Involved in several plays that could be categorized under defense and fumbles metrics.
- Scoring Summary: Includes his touchdown contributions both through receiving and rushing.
Future Prospects and Potential
Robinson's future in the NFL looks promising, with opportunities for growth and increased impact.
- Dynamic Malik Nabers: The arrival of Malik Nabers is expected to attract defensive focus, potentially opening up more opportunities for Robinson.
- Saquon Barkley’s Departure: The departure of Saquon Barkley could further benefit Robinson by opening up additional chances in the Giants’ offense.
- Jet Sweeps and End-Arounds: The Giants’ utilization of Robinson in jet sweeps or end-arounds will be intriguing to observe.
- Breakout Campaign: Primed for a breakout campaign given the circumstances, though expecting immediate superstardom might be ambitious.
Recognition and Awards
Robinson's talent and hard work have earned him several recognitions and awards throughout his career.
- Pro Bowl Selection: Has not been selected to a Pro Bowl but has shown significant potential in his early NFL career.
- First-Team AP All-Pro: Has not yet been named First-Team AP All-Pro but continues to impress with his consistent performance.
- League Leader Indicators: Bold indicators in his statistics suggest he has led the league in certain categories, although specific details are not provided.
Social Media and Personal Life
Robinson's presence extends beyond the field, with an active social media presence and personal connections.
- Social Media Presence: Active on platforms like Twitter (@wanda1erobinson) and Instagram (@wandalerobinson).
- Nicknames: Known by the nickname "Dale," used by fans and media alike.
College and High School Awards
Robinson's achievements in college and high school set the stage for his professional career.
- College Awards and Recognition: Received several awards during his college career, including being named a Freshman All-American and earning honorable mention All-Big Ten.
- High School Awards and Recognition: Won the Paul Hornung Award and was named the Gatorade Kentucky Player of the Year for his senior season.
Physical and Performance Metrics
Robinson's physical and performance metrics provide a comprehensive view of his abilities.
- Combine Measurements: Includes arm length, hand span, 40-yard dash time, vertical jump, broad jump, and bench press.
- Snap Counts: Snap count data since 2012 indicates significant involvement in plays, especially as a slot receiver.
- Trade Data: Has not been involved in any trades during his NFL career.
- Transaction Data: Includes information about fines and suspensions but does not pertain to Robinson’s career thus far.
Career Trajectory and Potential
Robinson's career trajectory suggests a promising future, with potential for significant impact in the NFL.
- Dual-Threat Back: Initially planned to be a dual-threat back at Nebraska but took on a bigger ball-carrying role due to injuries and suspensions.
- Creative Play Calling: Needs a creative play caller to maximize his skill set and minimize the impact of his size.
- Career Trajectory: With impressive college production and early NFL performance, Robinson is poised for a promising career trajectory, potentially becoming a key player for the New York Giants.
Wan'Dale Robinson's Bright Future
Wan'Dale Robinson's journey from high school standout to NFL wide receiver is nothing short of inspiring. Born in Frankfort, Kentucky, Robinson's versatility on the field has always set him apart. From his impressive high school stats to breaking records at Kentucky, he's shown he's got what it takes. Drafted by the New York Giants in 2022, Robinson's rookie season was promising despite injuries. His ability to bounce back and perform, like his standout game against the Packers in 2023, highlights his resilience. With his knack for securing receptions and potential for more opportunities, Robinson's future with the Giants looks bright. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he continues to develop and contribute. Keep an eye on this rising star; he's just getting started.
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