What analysts and experts are saying about Duce Robinson and USC
There is so much to say about new USC commit Duce Robinson not only because he is a dynamic player, not only because he is a two-sport star, not only because he plays for Lincoln Riley with a Heisman-winning quarterback named Caleb Williams, but because he might not even play for USC.
Yes, it really is that complicated.
While it is undeniably great news that Robinson committed to USC over Kirby Smart and Georgia, we are not yet at a point where Robinson is absolutely guaranteed to play for the Trojans. No, you shouldn’t be freaking out, but you shouldn’t think it’s a done deal that Robinson will suit up for USC this fall. There are more plot points to deal with this summer, well before the scheduled season opener in late August against San Jose State.
Here’s what various 247Sports analysts are saying about Duce Robinson the athlete and Duce Robinson the football and baseball prospect, a man who has important decisions to make:
(h/t Blair Angulo of 247 Sports)
GREG BIGGINS
Jan 2, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts during the first half against the Tulane Green Wave in the 2023 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
“While the tight end didn’t play a big role in USC’s offense last season,” Biggins said, “Riley was known for developing tight ends and getting them drafted at Oklahoma. Former Sooner Mark Andrews is just one name that was comped for Robinson and the family is comfortable he will get plenty of balls in the offense. Robinson had grown very close with several members of the USC ’23 recruiting class and although we don’t think that was a top-three factor, we do think it did play a small role in terms of his comfort level with the school.”
BRANDON HUFFMAN
Sep 6, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Pinnacle wide receiver Duce Robinson performs a drill during practice at Pinnacle HS football field.
High School Football Pinnacle Football
“If baseball weren’t such a big factor,” Huffman noted, “Robinson would have committed by now and signed already. He could have played his final year of high school baseball in peace. But that tells me that baseball is looming extremely large here and to the point where if he goes in the first five rounds in this summer’s MLB First-Year Player Draft, that could be the route he ends up pursuing.”
BLAIR ANGULO
Jul 13, 2010; Los Angeles, CA, USA; An aerial view of Dedeaux Field on the grounds of the University of Southern California and home of the USC Trojans baseball team. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Regarded as one of the top prep outfielders in the 2023 draft class, Robinson carries enough upside that a team could take a gamble and select him earlier than expected. That hypothetical team, of course, would presumably have to feel really good about Robinson’s overall commitment to baseball and have some assurances that their investment would prioritize the diamond over the gridiron.
CHRIS SINGLETARY
Sep 6, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Pinnacle wide receiver Duce Robinson performs a drill during practice at Pinnacle HS football field.
High School Football Pinnacle Football
“I see Duce as a Day 1 pick in three to four years,” Singletary said, “probably on the low end of the first round. Currently, a selection in that range would garner $11,500,000 in guaranteed compensation. NFL front offices would really like him as Robinson brings a multifaceted skill set to the tight end position. He is a unique player because of his size, length, growth potential and overall athleticism.”
BLAIR ANGULO
27 Apr 1997: A baseball sits in the shadow of players from the Southern California Trojans and the California at Los Angeles Bruins at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles, California. California at Los Angeles won the game 14-4. Mandatory Credit: Jas
“That’s definitely on the table, although Robinson has stated that, ideally, he would sign professionally and work out an agreement with his baseball organization to play college football as a walk-on in the fall after baseball season wraps up. If he’s not taken high enough in the baseball draft, we’d expect Robinson to play both college football and college baseball for the next few years as a full-scholarship athlete.”
BRANDON HUFFMAN
9, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Pinnacle High tight end Duce Robinson during the 7-on-7 high school football passing tournament at the Fear Farm Sports and Entertainment Complex.
Sports High School Football
“The A’s signed Kyler Murray for a lot of money, thinking that baseball would be the route he pursued. But with Baker Mayfield gone to the NFL, Murray instead had a magical season at Oklahoma and the Arizona Cardinals signed him to a lot more money after his Heisman Trophy winning campaign. Point, football.
“On the flip side, Jordyn Adams was set to go to North Carolina before the Los Angeles Angels drafted him in the first round. He’s bided his time and is close to making the final roster. Point baseball.”
GREG BIGGINS
Nov 26, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) and Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Drew Pyne (10) shake hands after the game at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“Location is another factor that favored USC here. We know some in Robinson’s support circle liked the idea of him staying out West and specifically in Southern California.”
BRANDON HUFFMAN ON MLB TALKS
Oct 14, 2022; scottsdale, AZ, USA; Pinnacle Pioneers senior wide receiver Duce Robinson (2) runs the ball against Chaparral at Chaparral High School’s football field. Mandatory Credit: Alex Gould/The Republic
High School Football Chaparral Football Pinnacle At Chaparral
“Again, Duce Robinson may not be the baseball prospect that Murray or Adams were, but baseball will be tantalizing enough that this will be a very serious conversation he will have to have.”
CHRIS SINGLETARY
Dec 2, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts against the Utah Utes in the first half of the Pac-12 Championship at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“He can be attached as a true tight end or aligned in the slot or out wide, causing a mismatch for defenses. His ability to get in and out of his breaks as well as tracking the ball in his routes play a factor into him being a major weapon for offenses. He’s getting stronger, too. Duce’s arrow has been pointing up the last year or so.”
GREG BIGGINS
Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Georgia University president Jere Morehead celebrates with quarterback Stetson Bennett (13) and head coach Kirby Smart after winning the CFP national championship game against the TCU Horned Frogs at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“I think USC is in the driver’s seat right now. At one point not too long ago, Georgia looked like the team to beat but USC has been relentless in their recruitment of Robinson and was able to rally in recent months. Lincoln Riley has been personally involved in his recruitment and has sold Robinson on how well he will fit in his offense.
BRANDON HUFFMAN
May 23, 2009; Stanford, CA, USA; USC Trojans shortstop Grant Green pops the ball to center field during the game against the California Golden Bears at Evans Diamond. USC defeated California 14-4. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
“He may not be drafted as high as say, Archie Bradley or Jordyn Adams, two recent Power 5 football players who ultimately chose baseball, but a first-five round selection could be the difference maker. So I think baseball is an even larger factor here than most want to concede and if he does go early in the draft, I think he’s more likely to end up in some small Rookie league or A-ball town than Athens or Los Angeles.”
BLAIR ANGULO
9, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Pinnacle High tight end Duce Robinson during the 7-on-7 high school football passing tournament at the Fear Farm Sports and Entertainment Complex.
Sports High School Football
“That tug-of-war could be affecting Robinson’s stock, but most projections still have the 6-foot-6, 225-pound prospect as a top-75 player among high schoolers. It’s not too far-fetched to think Robinson could hear his name called in the third or fourth round. Last year, the signing bonus slot value for the final selection in the fourth round was $430,900. The slot guarantee for the last pick in the fifth round was $322,400.”
