Texas Longhorns' Bijan Robinson declares for NFL draft, won't play in Alamo Bowl

Bijan Robinson is a passionate man who exhibits love for his school, his football team and his fans.

He’s also a man with common sense who understands the occupational hazards of his job.

After weighing those factors, the Longhorns’ All-American running back said Monday that his work here is done, at least as a player, one game short of completion of his junior season. He could have competed for two more seasons because of the extra one the NCAA granted athletes after the COVID-19 outbreak.

Robinson will leave school for the NFL draft and skip the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 29. But he will remain with the Longhorns for the bowl game in San Antonio, hoping to support his teammates with enthusiasm and instruction.

Mock drafts published this past week by ESPN, CBS Sports and USA Today’s Draft Wire predicted that Robinson will be the fifth,10th and 25th selection in the first round.

If he lands in the middle of the first round, Robinson can expect to receive a contract for around $16 million and a bonus of nearly $9 million.

“It was definitely a hard decision,” Robinson said. “But I knew it had to be made for my future. I love everything about this place. (But) for me being a running back, it's smart to keep the the wheels on your body fresh when you want to go to the NFL.”

Robinson said his competitive nature will make it difficult for him to stand on the sideline at the Alamo Bowl.

“I always want to be out there with my teammates, help in any way I can,” Robinson said. “I’ll still be out there supporting them.”

A unanimous All-American this season, Robinson was the recipient of the Doak Walker award handed to the top running back in the country.

He leaves UT with the fourth-most rushing yards in school history. His 3,410 rushing yards trail Ricky Williams (6,279), Cedric Benson (5,540) and Earl Campbell (4,443). Williams, Benson and Campbell all played four seasons at Texas.

Robinson rushed for 1,580 yards this season, ranking fifth nationally. No FBS-level player has combined for more rushing and receiving yards than Robinson, who has turned 19 catches into 314 yards. He also scored 20 total touchdowns this season.

Robinson will be the first Longhorn running back drafted since D'Onta Foreman, a third-round pick in 2017. Cedric Benson was the last first-round pick from the UT backfield. Benson was taken with the fourth pick in 2005.

Robinson will not be the only important Longhorn missing from the Alamo Bowl roster. All-Big 12 linebacker DeMarvion Overshown announced on Instagram on Sunday that he will leave school for the draft. Robinson’s backup, Roschon Johnson, reportedly is opting for the NFL and out of the Alamo Bowl.

With Robinson and Johnson gone, coach Steve Sarkisian can rely on redshirt freshman Jonathon Brooks, junior Keilan Robinson and freshman Jaydon Blue in the Alamo Bowl.

“Jonathon, Keilan, Jaydon Blue, those guys are talented dudes,” Robinson said. “Those guys are always learning from me and Ro. They're going to just go out there with huge confidence.”

Looking ahead, Texas expects to sign Cedric Baxter Jr. of Orlando, listed as the No. 1 running back in the country in consensus class of 2023 rankings assembled by 247Sports and On3.

Robinson hopes he set a proper example for current and future Longhorns.

“Football is going to end one day and you want people to know you as somebody that was a good person and that did everything the right way,” Robinson said. “It’s not a fake for me. My parents and grandparents raised me to be respectful. Everybody knows me as the positive guy, the smiley guy, but that's really just who I am.”

Robinson, with that talent and smile, might soon be a big national celebrity. He vows not to forget his three-year stop along the way.

“I’m still going to be a part of it,” Robinson said. “I’m always going to leave my heart here."

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Bijan Robinson to prepare for NFL draft, will skip Alamo Bowl