Robinson still seeking to improve in Shrine Bowl

It’s been 11 years since Havelock last had a player in the Shrine Bowl.

That drought will end Saturday when senior Corey Robinson lines up at left guard for the North Carolina team in the annual all-star football contest.

The prestigious Shrine Bowl pits the top high school players from North Carolina against the best from South Carolina. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. Saturday in Spartanburg, S.C.

“There are going to be a lot of great athletes in this game that are going to play big-time football,” Robinson said. “Everybody is now starting to gel as a team, so I’m hoping for a win.”

Robinson, who committed in August to play football at the University of South Carolina, will be the sixth Havelock player to compete in the game. The last was Titus Dailey in 1998. Ledel George (1988), Eric Kling (1982), Nui Togia (1976) and Louie King (1971) were the others.

Robinson is the fourth-ranked offensive tackle in the state, according to ncpreps.com.

“I am going to do my best for North Carolina and for my school,” Robinson said. “I’m just ready to show everybody what I can do by playing against big-time competition.”

Robinson will be on the same team as quarterback Lamar Ivey of Eastern Alamance, the team that defeated the Rams 24-6 in the 3A Eastern Regional championship game on Dec. 4.

Robinson will also block for the state’s leading rusher, K.P. Parks. Kinston defensive back Kewitt Koonce and White Oak running back Tamari White are also on the team.

“I am going to work to improve my footwork so I can get on those fast linebackers from South Carolina,” Robinson said. “I’m just trying to keep improving myself every week and not miss any blocks.”

The Shrine Bowl players arrived in Spartanburg on Sunday, and throughout the week they have participated in activities such as attending church, going to banquets with guest speakers and visiting hospitals.

Robinson was selected to play in the game after standing out at a Shrine Bowl combine in April at Havelock High School. He also impressed the coaches at a one-day camp at Eastern Alamance High School.

Robinson — a 6-foot-7, 292-pound left tackle — ran the 40-yard dash in 5.1 seconds at Eastern Alamance. He also registered a 22-foot, 6-inch vertical jump and bench-pressed 185 pounds 18 times.

“I think I did pretty good,” Robinson said. “I showed that I could move well as a big offensive lineman, so I think that helped.”

Robinson was the leader of the Rams’ offensive line. He can play all five positions on the line.

Robinson missed three games this season due to a knee injury he suffered in the season-opener against New Bern.

The Rams’ offense flourished after his return.

Havelock piled up more than 5,600 yards, including 2,984 on the ground. Robinson was key in helping junior quarterback Danny Webster (2,629 yards passing, 1,416 rushing) have a monster season.

“(Corey) made a big impact for us,” said Havelock coach Jim Bob Bryant, who was an assistant coach in the Shrine Bowl in 2007. “If he’s got his head on straight, he’s the best I’ve ever coached. He does a great job with the offensive line and trying to lead them. He knows every blocking scheme and every play. That’s one of the reasons South Carolina wants him and that’s one of the reasons North Carolina Shrine Bowl wants him.”