Defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson leaping over the LSU line to block an extra point attempt was not something Alabama practiced.
Alabama coach Nick Saban said the LSU line kept getting lower and lower.
“I think he just decided that if that guy’s going to be that low I’m just gonna pop over the top so it was a surprise to us,” Saban said.
Saban wasn’t the only person on Alabama’s sideline surprised to see Robinson’s leap.
“That was crazy,” center Ryan Kelly said. “I saw that from the sidelines and that was a huge play…I know it made probably media headlines everywhere. It was pretty cool.”
Linebacker Dillon Lee sounded like he was glad he’s never had to go against Robinson in practice.
“He really can do whatever he wants on the field,” Lee said.
On Saturday, what Robinson wanted to do was play offense. So he went in as a blocker which is something the team practiced the week prior to the LSU game.
“We don’t have to gain a whole bunch of yards and make a big play, we just have to gain a yard or two and that’s going to be good enough,” Saban said. “We’ve always had big people, we just haven’t used them as much. I think A’Shawn’s athleticism really helps us in a situation like that, especially not having a whole bunch of tight ends that are big guys.”
Running back Derrick Henry said Robinson enjoyed his time on the other side of the ball. Robinson could see more opportunities on offense in the future. Perhaps he might even get a few carries of his own.
“If a play is called for him to get the ball, I’m sure he’ll want it,” Henry said. “[Then he would] score. Run somebody over. Stiff arm them. He can make plays on both sides of the ball. He’s an athletic player like that. He’s a freak.”
According to Henry, Robinson plays his defensive snaps with the same level of enthusiasm. Even practice doesn’t keep him from giving it everything.
“I’m not really scared of him, but sometimes I have to tell him to calm down a little bit,” Henry said. “I’ll be running the ball and he’ll hit me and squeeze me. I have to say ‘Hey, you’re a little too big to be squeezing me like that.’ But he’s a great player.”
