Sunday, August 17, 2003

By Ray Fittipaldo, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

There were times last season when the multifaceted Michael Robinson would break from the huddle, begin his walk toward the line of scrimmage and then scurry to his proper place in the formation, a bit embarrassed at his mental gaffe.

"You're kind of ready to walk up to the center, and then you say 'Oh, excuse me' and walk back," Robinson said laughing.

It's no wonder Robinson had an occasion to get confused. He was part quarterback, part running back and part receiver in 2002. A dynamic offensive force early for the Penn State, Robinson in one stretch scored five touchdowns in six touches and tied an NCAA record for scoring touchdowns on three consecutive touches.

By midseason, opposing defenses began to catch on to Robinson, who became a decoy in the second half of the season. During that time, he also was improving as a quarterback. So much so that the coaching staff had no problem inserting him into Penn State's first bowl game in three years when starter Zack Mills was ineffective in a 13-9 loss to Auburn in the Capital One Bowl.

Robinson was 2 for 3 for 31 yards passing and rushed for 30 yards on five carries in leading the Lions to a go-ahead score in the fourth quarter.

That, along with Mills' shaky performance, cast doubt on the quarterback position, especially after Coach Joe Paterno refused to recognize Mills as the incumbent starter the day after the game.

But after spring drills and summer workouts, Mills reestablished himself as the starter, leaving Robinson, a redshirt sophomore, in the position of reprising his role as a "slash" type player this season.

"That is a tough coaching problem," Paterno said. "Michael Robinson has to be ready to be our quarterback. He has the right to compete against Zack. I think we owe that to him. I have told Michael that I want him to compete to be the No. 1 quarterback, and there is going to be a time, if you are not the No. 1 quarterback, that we have got to get you in the football game. How many plays and in what manner? We will play that by ear right now."

Even though he might not become the No. 1 quarterback until his senior season, Robinson was in good spirits last week and is comfortable with his role.

"I really appreciate him saying that," Robinson said. "It's great that I can compete at quarterback, and if I don't win it, I have something to fall back on. It's always great when you have a plan B."

Plan B was a good plan through the first three games of last season as Robinson rushed for 104 yards and scored five touchdowns on 13 carries. In the first Big Ten game against Iowa, the Hawkeyes used a spy on him. He had minus-2 yards on four carries, and every team after that had a game plan to take Robinson out of the game.

"I'm actually honored that they showed me that much respect," he said. "Every time I get the ball I think I can score on any defense, any team. That's hasn't changed. But, at the same time, I understand that every play isn't going to be a touchdown."

Robinson and Mills have developed a good working relationship. They share ideas about reading defenses and decision-making. Robinson readily admits that Mills is the proven leader of the team and has come to appreciate his situation.

"I don't think there's that much pressure on me," he said. "Actually, sometimes I feel sorry for Zack. If he doesn't perform, he has me staring at his back a little bit. There's a lot of pressure for him to perform. In my case it's a little easier since I can get on the field at another position. As long as I can help this team, that's where I want to play."

Even if it means changing his mind-set from quarterback to running back mode on the fly.

"I have to tell myself get ready to get hit," he said. "A quarterback is kind of shielded by all the big hits. That's why God blessed me with a 6-2, 225-pound frame. I do have to change my mind-set, but I enjoy it."

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