Veteran Robertson taking on leadership role along the OL
Senior Jashon Robertson's player card reads 34 career starts. That's the most of any of the veteran offensive lineman that new offensive line coach Walt Wells has inherited this spring.
For the elder statesmen Robertson, the start of his final spring practice brings a new role and reflection on a journey that saw him thrown into the starting line up a week after moving from defense to offense in August of his freshman year.
“When I first got here, we had Jacob Gilliam out there with a torn ACL and all kinds of stuff,” Robertson recalled. “Now I look in the room and it's deep. It's super deep. There's no space in there. We just look at our group in individual drills and there are so many guys.”
All of those guys are looking for a leader now. Outside of fellow senior Coleman Thomas, who has 26 career starts, the rest of the deep line doesn't combine for 34 career starts in college football. And that's why the veteran Robertson was quick to reply on Tuesday when asked who was leading the offensive front.
“I am. Yes ma'am,” Robertson replied to the reporters question. “Sometimes you go after it and sometimes it falls in your lap. For me, I'm just enjoying the opportunity to have that kind of respect from the guys in the room.
“I would say in my career to this point, I have been the type of guy who basically leads by my actions. I don't like to say a lot all the time. If you say too much people stop listening anyways. You have to be more vocal in a leadership position and I'm trying to improve on that everyday and really say meaningful things.”
While Robertson is focusing on trying to be more vocal, his actions carry weight as well. This winter Robertson's actions have actually led him to losing weight while getting stronger. Robertson is down 15 pounds or so and currently is tipping the scales at 295-300 pounds.
“When coach Rock came in, he really preached a lot about sleep, rest and recovery as well as the things you are eating and putting in your body. For now, I have chosen not to eat pork or red meat any more. That has leaned me up a lot,” Robertson explained. “I'm trying to eat more vegetables and things like that. When I came in I was eating McDonald's 2-3 times a day. It's way different now.
“Whatever I feel the most comfortable at with my conditioning and strength levels. As long as I can keep my strength level and improve my conditioning level that's the weight I will play at. It doesn't matter.
“I think as long as my footwork is in tact, my base is always pretty good. I will be alright.”
Tuesday, the leaner Robertson worked at both left guard and center as he continues to cross train and learn. The Nashville native was quick to note that he learned several new techniques and footwork things under Wells. And continued growth is his message to all of his fellow linemen who he's challenging everyday.
“I have always believed a team is going to go as far as the guys up front will take them,” Robertson said. “I have always approached it that way. This year it's definitely a reality with the things we have going on. We are the most experienced group. At the end of the day we have to bring it day in and day out.”