Robinson, Smith win Tennessee Titans Mr. Football
By Stephen HargisDaily Times Correspondent
Originally published: December 02. 2008 3:01AM
Last modified: December 01. 2008 11:04PM
MURFREESBORO — At 6-foot-4, 255 pounds, few things make Tyler Robinson's knees shake. But standing in front of more than 700 people at the annual Tennessee Titans Mr. Football awards, the Alcoa High School junior admitted his knees were knocking a little.
Robinson's nerves were settled a bit after hearing his name called as the Class 2A Lineman of the Year, and when Maryville's Justin Smith later won the 4A Lineman of the Year award, it made for a Blount County sweep in the only two categories in which local players were finalists.
Both programs had five players who previously had won the award, which honors the top prep players in each classification.
"It was an unbelievable feeling to hear my name called," Robinson said. "It's not an individual award at all, though. My teammates helped me get this, so it was very much a team effort."
Robinson, who was named the BlueCross Bowl Defensive MVP last season, has 57 tackles, 11 of them for losses, and five sacks to go with three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries this season. He also has 520 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns as a tight end, and will try to help the top-ranked Tornadoes to an unprecedented fifth consecutive state title Friday against second-ranked Milan.
"My first thought after I won the award was that now I have to go out and play extra hard to prove I was the right choice," Robinson said.
Smith also will try to help the Rebels claim a fifth straight 4A championship Saturday against Hillsboro. The 6-1, 236-pound senior defensive end has 38 solo tackles, 27 assists, 11 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and an interception for the Rebels. "I was just thinking about how the other two finalists were worthy winners, and I really had no idea what to think when I heard my name," he said.
"Team accomplishments are still the main thing, but it does feel good to know that all the hard work and extra things I put into the game paid off. All those early-morning practices and extra running helped."
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