Christian Robinson has realized his dream of playing for the Dawgs

by Travis Ragsdale

Georgia football has a long and storied tradition of excellence on the field. Year after year, young men from across the country sign letters of intent to come to the Classic City with hopes of one day playing in the NFL. Sometimes, those hopes aren’t realized. Other times, they are ten fold and those players go on to make a career out of playing football. But then there’s another group. A group that comes to Athens because they want to. Because all they’ve ever wanted to do is strap on the Red and Black. Because wearing a Georgia ‘G’ means more to them than anything in this world. There’s a player on this year’s team in this group. His name is Christian Robinson.

“Georgia was my dream. I wanted to be a Georgia football
player,” said Robinson.

The 5th year senior linebacker came to Georgia in 2008
at a time when expectations couldn’t be higher. A #1 preseason
ranking, two stars in the making in Knowshon
Moreno and Matthew Stafford on offense. People around
Georgia football thought 2008 was ‘the year.’ It wasn’t
though, and from there came a nosedive into non-relativity.
By the end of the 2010 season, Robinson knew that something
wasn’t right.

“I can guarantee you people were not wanting to go out
to practice,” said Robinson, “It was rough. I think a lot of
people by the end of it, didn’t want to be here anymore.”

But he did. He rode out the storm. Why? Because he
loves the University of Georgia. Christian is everything that’s
right with Georgia football.

“Just thinking about what this school means to me. And
what Georgia means to me., it gave me an opportunity to be
successful.”

Wins will come as they always have. Losses will occur
and devastate fans and players alike. But players like Christian
last the test of time. He won’t jump out on a stat sheet
or on film. His contributions go deeper than that. Something
the coaching staff is grateful for.

“Christian is a guy that since he got here has done
everything the right way. He’s one of the best leaders we’ve
ever had. On the field, off the field, in the classroom. Christian
has been a blessing,” said head coach Mark Richt.

Christian is also thankful for Coach Richt. After all, it
was him that allowed him to realize his dream.

“He allowed me to come here. He gave me an opportunity,”

And Christian has seized on that opportunity making
the most out of his time here. Now, in his last season, Christian
may have a chance to continue his playing career. He’s
been part of a scheme change on defense but he’s been able
to stay successful and play his role and help his team win on
the field. When he’s in the game, it’s clear that he is the general
of that defense. And you better believe NFL scouts have
taken notice. But in true form, he’s only to recount the success
of his teammates.

“I’m surrounded by a lot of guys who are probably
going to play football for a long time. And me? I don’t know,
I’m just happy for those guys.”

Christian’s story is one that should be told to all incoming
freshmen players as an example of how to be a
Georgia Bulldog. But his story is not quite over yet.

“We’re not satisfied yet. We have to win the next game
for anything to matter.”

He’s right. Now, Georgia has a unique opportunity to
reach the national championship game. After that devastating
loss to South Carolina, who would have thought? Nevertheless,
the Dawgs have gotten help and now stand poised
to capture their ultimate goal. This is something Christian
has wanted his whole career at Georgia. But it wasn’t just
about wins and losses for him. He’ll be leaving Athens with
something far more valuable than wins.

“I got to play football four almost five years with some
of my best friends and people that will be in my wedding
one day.”

Christian embodies what a Georgia football player
should be. Fans typically only see what goes on between
the hedges and on the gridiron but there is so much more
to being a Bulldog than just that. It takes a person of character
and an undying passion for Georgia. Some people
would call this a Damn Good Dawg.

“If I could stay here and have everything stay like it is
now, forever, I probably would,” said Christian,” It literally
has been the best time of my life.”

We’d want you to stay too, Christian. I’d say that Christian
Robinson qualifies as a Damn Good Dawg.

Tagged: travis ragsdale, christian robinson, georgia football