The Guyer football team is coming off of back-to-back state championships this season and trying to make another run at a state title without the quarterback who got them there.
Enter Shawn Robinson — a sophomore scrambler with a solid arm who has led the Wildcats to a 2-1 mark in the non-district schedule and No. 11 state ranking in the 6A football division.
Robinson replaces former Guyer standout Jerrod Heard, who helped bring two state championship trophies to Guyer and now plays for the University of Texas at Austin.
While it would appear that the young quarterback would have some big shoes to fill, Coach John Walsh said he does not see things that way.
“Just like Jerrod did replacing J.W. [Walsh], I told Shawn to be Shawn,” Walsh said. “He has no shoes to fill. Jerrod’s shoes are in Austin.”
Walsh said he has been impressed with what Robinson brings to the table and said he has an excellent feel for the game for being a sophomore.
“Shawn brings the dual threat package that we are accustomed to in our Guyer offense,” Walsh said. “He also has a great deal of confidence that bleeds to the rest of the team.”
Robinson, who transferred to Guyer from Saginaw Chisholm Trail High School last year, combined for more than 1,050 yards of total offense and 10 touchdowns through the three non-district games for the Wildcats this season.
Robinson said he wants to be a player who leads by example and do whatever he can to help the team win.
“I just try to bring leadership and good quality in a player,” Robinson said. “It’s a lot of pressure, but I’ve tried to go in there and focus on trying not to overplay, but just calm down and rely on my teammates.”
The Guyer sophomore said there were some questions in his mind about how he would be received when he assumed the role of starting quarterback, but added he was confident he was capable of playing the position well.
“There are always nerves, but I have complete confidence in my ability,” Robinson said. “I believe that we can do it and that things will be good.”
Robinson is supremely confident that his team can make another run at a state championship, as well.
“I am feeling pretty good,” Robinson said. “I feel like we can make it a long way in the playoffs, just as long as we don’t make mistakes, and we make the plays that need to be made. We’ve got a good group.”
Robinson said his faith plays an important role in his life, adding he attends church every Wednesday and Sunday. He said everything good that has happened to him comes through Christ.
In order to repeat the type of success the team enjoyed last season, Robinson said it will take a few things from both himself and his teammates.
“The first thing is injuries,” Robinson said. “We need everyone to stay healthy. Then we have to make the simple plays and we have to have the players step up that usually do and come together as a family, because we are a family. If we do that, anything is possible.”
Walsh said he will rely heavily on his young quarterback to continue to provide leadership this season and added Robinson is critical to the team’s success.
“Like any championship team at any level, the quarterback is an important piece to winning in December,” Walsh said. “And Shawn is as important to us as Peyton Manning is to the Denver Broncos.”
Robinson’s Favorites
Favorite Athlete: Braxton Miller
Favorite Sports Team: Dallas Cowboys
Favorite Food: Catfish
Favorite Movie: Spiderman
Favorite TV Show: South Beach Tow
Book Currently Reading: A Series of Unfortunate Events
Favorite Musical Group or Performer: Drake
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