UCLA earns commitment from talented 2023 California running back
The Bruins received their third known commitment for the 2023 class on Thursday when 3-star San Diego product Roderick Robinson II announced his decision live on CBS Sports HQ.
Robinson chose the Bruins over a group of finalists that included Arizona, Cal, Oregon, Auburn, and Tennessee.
BREAKING: 4⭐️ running back Roderick Robinson II has committed to Chip Kelly and @UCLAFootball 🐻
Robinson is the No. 16 running back in the class of 2023 🔥@rodrob204 X @BruinReport pic.twitter.com/256ermrn43
— 247Sports (@247Sports) May 26, 2022
“I feel like I have a great relationship with (running backs coach DeShaun) Foster and (head coach Chip) Kelly,” Robinson said of his decision. “Coach Foster has been to the NFL at my position, so I feel like he has the blueprint, he knows what it takes to get to the NFL. And Coach Kelly has been to the highest levels. He’s won Rose Bowls, he’s been to national championships. That was a big thing that played in my decision.”
The Bruins were later to the party than most when it came to Robinson’s recruitment, only offering him in mid-February, but once they were on his radar they made up ground quickly. Robinson took an official visit to UCLA two weekends ago and seemingly loved what he saw.
The 6-foot-1 back rates as the 413th-best overall prospect in the 2023 cycle, according to the industry-generated 247 Composite. The evaluators over at 247Sports specifically, however, view Robinson as a 4-star talent and the 16th-best running back in his class.
He ran for 1,273 yards and 17 scores as a junior last fall. The 230-pound back moves really well and can be a threat out of the backfield.
You can view his highlight tape below, via Hudl: