When Bijan Robinson bolted for his third touchdowns against Tucson High last Friday, he had no way of knowing it would be one of the most memorable runs of his young and promising career.
The Salpointe Catholic senior running back and Texas Longhorns commit finished the night with eight rushes for 282 yards and four touchdowns, and marked his name in Southern Arizona high school football history by passing former Arizona Wildcat and Tucson icon KaβDeem Carey in career yards. Following his historic night, Robinson was named the Starβs player of the week.
Robinson could set another record on Friday, when Salpointe Catholic visits unbeaten Sahuaro. If he rushes for 85 yards, he will become the Class 4A all-time leading rusher, surpassing former Tolleson running back Marcus Thomas.
Robinson joined the Starβs Justin Spears on ESPN Tucson this week, check out what he had to say.
How would you describe the feeling of passing KaβDeem Carey for the Southern Arizona rushing record?
A: βItβs a blessing to pass that. I donβt really think of things like that, but for me working with him in the offseason and him telling me βGo break recordsβ and to play my heart out β celebrating this with my team and all the people who got me to this point, itβs a blessing. We just got to keep working hard and move forward.β
Growing up in Tucson, what was your perception of KaβDeem Carey?
A: βI actually didnβt really hear about him until he got to the U of A. I knew about him a little at CDO, but I never knew he was a great running back, I just heard his name. What heβs gone through at CDO and the achievements that he set and the records he broke.
βWhen I was a kid, I always looked at stats and records. A lot of kids look up to me and are striving for greatness. I just want to show them how they can be the best they can be and look forward to a bright future for themselves.β
What has the process been like as a senior and your last year in Tucson?
A: βYou always have to enjoy it β especially your senior year, because you donβt get this moment back. You donβt get another senior year. You donβt even get another high school career. Weβre always focused, but sometimes in practice we mess around and maintain that fun energy and fun spirit because football does become a business at the next level. You always want to keep that level of fun because if not, youβre doing it just to kind of do something, but you donβt love it. That love needs to always stay there.
βWhether itβs high school football, college football or the NFL, that love for your teammates and coaches should always be there. Iβm having a lot of fun. Of course, you always want to strive for a championship, but having fun with my teammates and coaches is something I look forward to every day.β
What would it mean for you to become the all-time 4A leading rusher this week?
A: βThis would be for the team. If it werenβt for the (offensive) line and everyone thatβs contributed, I wouldnβt even be at that point. It would be a great achievement, not so much individual. Individual accolades are awesome, but our main goal is to try and get as far as we can and keep working hard.β