Temple offensive tackle Jaelin Robinson | A Q&A
The fifth-year senior was an opening-day starter at right tackle for the Owls.
Jaelin Robinson is relatively new to football. He didn't begin playing until his senior year at Wilbur Cross in Connecticut. Robinson had been a talented basketball player throughout high school.
In Saturday's opening 19-17 loss to Villanova, Robinson made his second career start at right tackle, and it was his 28th overall game. At 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds, he combines power with great footwork.
Question: How tough was it entering college with only one year of football experience?
Robinson: I knew it was going to be a challenge from the beginning. I tried to take one day at a time and get better at each thing.
How is your basketball game?
JR: (laughs) I haven't played basketball in about 2 1/2 years or so. I do miss it — I am not going to lie to you. I played basketball my entire life and football my senior year. I miss basketball every now and then.
If you played a basketball game with your Temple football teammates, could you still dominate?
JR: This team? Absolutely, 100 percent, there is no question about it.
Can you give a scouting report on your basketball game?
JR: Picture the power of Shaquille O'Neal and the finesse of Kobe Bryant.
Wait, if you had that kind of talent, shouldn't you be in the NBA?
JR: (laughs) I liked football a little better sometimes, some days.
How does it feel to be a starter in football?
JR: It feels pretty good. I focus on getting better and one thing at a time and really focusing on perfecting my craft.
You are getting a degree in criminal justice. What would you like to do with that after football?
JR: The plan is to pursue the NFL and then I would like to apply for the Secret Service, uniform division.
What inspired you to want to work for the Secret Service?
JR: That kind of came about in the last 1 1/2 years. I did some research and talked to people, and I am looking forward to it. Even if I do have a career in the NFL, I would like to do that down the road.