Recruiting

Maryland Among the Four Schools Working to Flip ACC Verbal

Essex enters the playoffs this weekend a perfect 10-0 as three-star linebacker Kam Robinson has been a difference maker through the year. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound linebacker is happy to get a viable chance to close out his high school career as a state championship before he transitions to college.

As far as the next level, Robinson made his commitment to Virginia over the summer and has been back in Charlottesville this fall. The three-star prospect returned two weeks ago where Virginia lost 14-12 to Miami in an offensively-challenged affair, but Robinson appreciated the chance to talk with the players and coaches ahead of kickoff.

“I’ve talked a lot more with the coaches, players, so it’s been a good time,” he told Inside the Black and Gold. “They’ve just got to close the ball games against the ranked teams in the country.”

That hasn’t deterred other schools from jumping in the mix and Robinson said four schools are working to change his mind. “Virginia Tech, Tennessee, Florida State, Maryland.”

Robinson could return to Maryland next weekend contingent on his playoff schedule. “My playoff game might be on that Saturday but if not, I’ll most likely be up there.” Inside linebacker coach Lance Thompson hasn’t given up and has maintained contact as the lead point in Robinson’s recruitment.

“It’s been a good relationship with each other. I haven’t talked with coach Locksley recently but I’ve been keeping up with coach Lance [Thompson]. I went up there a couple months ago, back in the spring. I think they’re recruiting me more outside but they’ve talked about playing inside.” Robinson is plenty familiar with the Terps. “They were always one of the teams I played with in college football video games.”

If Robinson is unable to visit for the Ohio State game, could Maryland still get an eventual official visit to close the cycle? “It’s under consideration.”

The Vols have been arguably the biggest story in college football this season even considering the loss against Georgia last weekend and they’ve begun to apply a fullcourt press. “Tennessee has invited me up for a ton of home games.”

The strength of Virginia’s academics and their extensive alumni network were key reasons why Robinson opted to become a Cavalier, but what are the chances he could flip? Robinson provided a simple answer as to how schools can change his mind.

“What they can do to help me get better, how they can put me in better hands.”

Robinson is rated a three-star prospect and an 89 overall by On3, sitting as the nation’s 40th-best linebacker.

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