4-Star WR Isaiah Robertson Tweets Top 6: Who Holds an Edge in His Recruitment?
Several universities remain in the mix to sign heavily pursued Illinois wide receiver Isaiah Robertson, with six standing out for the 4-star recruit.
Robertson, a 6'3", 190-pound prospect from Neuqua Valley High School in suburban Chicago, revealed a list of favorites on Tuesday afternoon:
"Top 6☝️ pic.twitter.com/i0k89uv3wh
— Isaiah Robertson (@AlMightyzay_1) April 5, 2016"
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
His top options, in alphabetical order, are Illinois, Iowa, Notre Dame, Penn State, Wisconsin and Vanderbilt. The collection is heavy on Big Ten contenders, which is to be expected considering his proximity to conference programs.
Robertson, rated No. 27 among wide receivers and No. 214 overall in the 2017 class, picked these schools to highlight from a large group of scholarship offers. His alternatives include Maryland, Indiana, Iowa State and Syracuse.
He began collecting offers as an underclassman, with in-state Illinois extending an offer shortly after his breakout sophomore campaign. Robertson racked up 721 receiving yards (24 per catch) and five scores in 2014.
His offer total surpassed double digits last fall, when he commanded attention on both sides of the ball.
He tallied 81 tackles and four interceptions at safety, according to Allen Trieu of Scout.com, adding 50 receptions for 803 yards and nine touchdowns on offense.
While Robertson is ranked among receivers, the jury may still be out when it comes to determining his ideal collegiate fit.
He seemed receptive to a variety of roles during a September discussion with Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports.
“I really think that I’m more of an athlete recruit,” Robertson told Wiltfong. “Defense and offense and returning the ball, I really feel like I can get the job done anywhere it needs to be done with the right preparation."
Notre Dame was the latest school to open its doors. The Fighting Irish presented an offer on Saturday, setting the stage for an appearance in his top six.
Robertson's rapport with the program continues to accelerate, courtesy of recent visits to South Bend, Indiana. These campus trips proved vital as both sides advanced from mutual flirtation to a full-fledged scholarship offer:
His decision to drop a list of favorites just days later hints that he's ready to move forward to the next phase of a widespread recruitment. The Note Dame offer may have served as motivation to do so, as Wiltfong wrote it's one Robertson "wanted as the process picked up."
The Irish have netted each commitment projection in his 247Sports Crystal Ball, but there will be substantial competition from Big Ten schools.
Penn State has seen its passing attack sputter for stretches under head coach James Franklin, and the program failed to make a major splash at receiver last signing day. Chris Godwin and DaeSean Hamilton, the only Nittany Lions to surpass 20 catches in 2015, will be seniors when Robertson enrolls.
Illinois is attempting to redefine itself following the hiring of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith. The 2007 NFC champion will attempt to capitalize on new Illini buzz by capitalizing with local talent, and he may not discover a more impressive player than Robertson while assessing the Chicago area's recruiting landscape.
Wisconsin gains an edge due to family ties with the school. His father, Pollis Robertson, was a Badgers basketball player in the 1980s, though there's been little to indicate a legacy commitment is imminent.
As an in-depth search for Robertson's ideal fit continues, look for further diligence through visits and communication with coaches to determine what comes next in his career.
“We have certain criteria that we look for,” Pollis Robertson told Matt Freeman of Irish Sports Daily. “First and foremost would be academics. Second to that, it’s definitely the football program and in his case, we look at the tradition, coaching staff, players that are there and the position needs."
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
