UL’s Jamal Robinson puts on a show vs. Southern

Bobby Ardoin, Special to the Advertiser, August 31, 2014

 

UL Ragin’ Cajuns wide receiver Jamal Robinson (4) leaps into the end zone for a touchdown during the first half of the victory over Southern at Cajun Field. (Photo: Paul Kieu/The Advertiser)

 

 

Just get the ball properly airborne, said Jamal Robinson, and leave the rest up to him.

Robinson certainly demonstrated that advocacy Saturday night at Cajun Field when man-to-man coverage in the Southern University secondary and the accuracy of UL quarterback Terrance Broadway obviously worked to his benefit.

Even catching a moist football made more slippery by persistent tropical moisture didn’t hamper Robinson, as he maneuvered his 6-foot-4 frame through the Jaguars’ smaller secondary for five receptions – two for touchdowns – and 112 yards.

Robinson’s flurry of catches highlighted the aerial phase of a 45-6 victory over Southern, when 10 Cajuns’ receivers accounted for 24 catches and 264 yards before 36,170, who huddled in the stands underneath their ponchos and rain gear.

The effort also elevated Robinson one notch in the Cajuns’ all-time receiving records.

Robinson moved into ninth place ahead of former teammate Darryl Surgent in career receiving yards (1,681).

UL head coach Mark Hudspeth said Robinson was obviously a dominant figure in the passing game.

"I just thought that he was a man among boys out there," Hudspeth said.

Broadway said the connection that he has developed with Robinson was enhanced during summer workouts, when the two players labored arduously to improve the timing of their throwing game.

"I know that I can throw the ball blindly and (Robinson) is going to be there in position. We’ve worked together on that (leaping) catch for hours, so that when I put the ball in the air, I know that he’s going to be there for it," Broadway said.

If the ball is thrown his way, Robinson, he feels that ownership is his alone.

"I’m of the mindset that when you throw the ball up, then the ball is mine," Robinson.

Broadway was intercepted twice despite throwing for 237 yards and three touchdowns. He only missed on 12 of his 32 attempts.

Robinson said he and Broadway have developed a special on-the-field relationship that when he’s the target, something special might follow.

"It’s all due to the hard work we’ve put in and in trusting each other. (Southern) kept playing us one-on-one and I hope that everyone we play is going to play me one-on-one," said Robinson.

Southern head coach Dawson Odums complimented the Cajuns’ overall talent level, but he had particular praise for Robinson.

"They made some throws. (Robinson) had an outstanding day; he’s a special talent and he made some great catches," said Odums.

Robinson’s first touchdown catch ended a swift, 57-yard, second quarter drive that consumed just four plays. On the TD reception, Robinson leaped high in front of a Jaguars’ defender and came down with the catch in the corner of the end zone.

Then with 4:37 left in the third quarter, Robinson and Broadway made contact again, ending the Cajuns’ first possession of the second half with a 7-yard scoring pass.

That TD followed a play midway through the same offensive series when Robinson beat a Jaguars’ defender with a 22-yard catch in the end zone, but the play was nullified because of an ineligible lineman downfield.

Robinson said he was somewhat upset that he didn’t score on that play, but he was determined to make it all good when he heard the same play called in the huddle later on.

Broadway said Southern’s choice of secondary coverage helped the Cajuns’ throwing effort.

"I thought they were going to crowd us, but I didn’t think they were going to match us up as much as they did with their corners against our best receivers, but we’ll take that," Broadway said.