MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama football running back Carlos Robinson II recently sat down with USAJaguars.com to discuss earning a scholarship, who has played a big role in fulfilling his football dreams, and playing on the special teams unit among other things.

Robinson, a senior from Enterprise, Ala., has been a member of the Jaguar program since the 2013 season.  Over the last two seasons he has appeared in every game for the Jaguars primarily as a special teams player.  This season, the 5-foot-11 running back has played in all six games recording three rushes for nine yards, while also contributing two total tackles – one solo and one assisted.

Last season you were able to see your first action contributing on special teams and in the offensive backfield in all 13 games.  What did it mean to you to finally get on the field?
"I felt like all of my hard work had finally paid off and that I could contribute to the team on a bigger scale.  I just felt good to be able to play the game again."

You came here as a walk on and earned a scholarship last season.  Tell me about when you found out you were going to receive it.
"We were practicing for the bowl game last year against Air Force and I believe it was the last practice before we left to go to Arizona.  At the end of the practice, Coach [Joey] Jones said that a drone had come in with a message.  He opened the letter and said that I and Wade Forde were receiving full scholarships.  It was a nice surprise and I definitely wasn't expecting it.  It gave me a good boost and kind of refreshed me."

How have you improved since last year?
"My speed has increased a little bit and that my attitude towards practice and getting better and wanting to contribute more has increased.  I think I pay more attention to detail.  My passion for the game has also gotten better."

What differences have you noticed in the offense under offensive coordinator Richard Owens?
"We as an offense have taken on his mindset of being aggressive and wanting to dominate our opponent.  We also seem to be coming out with more energy and excitement.  Play-wise I feel that we are moving the ball a little bit better and being more consistent; we may have some hiccups, but I think we are playing with more confidence which will help us take that next step to get to where we want to go."

What do you feel are a few key areas the offense needs to focus on in order to be successful down the stretch?
"We need to be more consistent and whenever we get in the red zone, we have to score.  We also need to cut down on penalties because we have had some that have killed drives for us.  We've put ourselves in some good positions, but we have one or two penalties that hurt us."

What factored into your decision to come to South Alabama?
"Coming out of high school, I really didn't have many offers.  My dad helped me out a bunch because he was calling around to a lot of schools to see if they had a spot for me.  He and Coach Jones knew each other from playing at Alabama together and he made a call for me.  I'm just thankful to my dad and Coach Jones for the opportunity."

What has it meant to you to be able to continue playing football somewhat close to your hometown of Enterprise?
"It means a lot to me having my family able to come see me play, but it also means a lot to my family at home.  Ever since I played pee-wee ball, my mom and dad have always tried to come to every game.  Even in high school my dad tried to come to every practice that I had and he would tell me where I could get better or what I could improve on; he still does that now and I'm thankful for it."

What do you like to do in your spare time?
"I like to go fishing and play games online.  I just enjoy life and hang out with my friends."

What are some of the challenges that Louisiana's defense usually presents?
"I expect them to be solid all around.  We have to limit our turnovers so that we can put some drives together and build momentum."

Your father was a fullback at Alabama in the late '80's.  What advice did has he given you during your career and how else has he helped you out?
"One thing he's always told me is 'In life, you get out of it what you put into it.'  That's just something that I always think about even when I'm down.  I like to think of it as if you put bad gas in a car, it's going to mess up your engine, but if you put high-quality fuel, you're going to get high-quality performance.  He always told me to play my hardest and give everything I've got out there."

Being a senior on this year's team, what kind of leadership role have you taken on?
"I see myself as a leader by example.  I'm not really a talker, but everything I do, I try to give it my best all the time, because my dad once told me that 'Someone's always watching you even when you may not know they are', so I just try to give my best effort all the time.  As an upperclassman, the younger guys are looking up to you so you have to set the example and make wise decisions."  

Who has had the biggest influence on your life?
"My dad, of course, and my mom.  My mom always made sure I got my academic work done and that I had the correct grades in order to get into college, so I 'm thankful for her as well."

Your primary role here at South has come on special teams.  Talk to me about being part of that unit and how that group can affect the game.
"I think it's a great honor to be on special teams, because any given play can make a big difference in a game; whether you are blocking a punt or keeping someone from blocking a punt can have a big impact.  Playing on special teams doesn't allow you to take a play off, because the guys across from you are going just as hard as you so you have to bring your best every rep no matter if you are tired or what.  You have to be technically sound and take care of your assignment."  

What other sports did you play in high school or growing up?
"I mostly played football, but I played two or three years of baseball, but it wasn't a consistent thing, so I never really got a good feel for it.  I kind of wish I had played a little more baseball.  My granddad liked watching it."

If you choose to play any other sport, what would it be?
"I would probably say wrestling.  I know it's an odd thing, but they didn't have it at my high school and I always wanted to try it out.  I feel like I would be pretty good at it."

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