Athlete of the Week: Ezra Robinson

Ezra Robinson, 18, finished up his third sports season, track and field, last weekend during the state meet in Jacksonville. Robinson played football, basketball and track and field throughout his time at Booker High School and will be heading to Michigan State this summer with full-ride football scholarship. The Sarasota native is excited play cornerback for the Spartans and one day hopes to turn professional.

When did you start participating in track and field?
In ninth grade. I did it because I like to stay busy, and when basketball was over, I had nothing to do. I tried out my freshman year and did pretty well and stuck with it, and it kept me busy and conditioned for football.

Do you have a favorite event?
I go back and forth between the high jump and the triple jump. I’m really good at jumping. I’ve been dunking since I was in the eighth grade.

What will you miss most about track and field here at Booker?
I’m going to miss the coaches. I love how they push me and we have fun and laugh a lot. Coach Sheldon is like my brother, and he was my DB coach in football, too. Coach Billy Ray always tries to make people laugh, and he runs with us on the track and says, “Don’t let an old man beat you!” Coach Crane is just a silly dude and likes to talk about old movies nobody has ever seen. And Coach Johnson was with me for football, too, last year. Coach Larry was here my freshman year, and he yelled and really pushed you hard. But last and not least is Coach Lorenzo. I love that man like a father. Even when I do bad or mess up on the high jump, he is the dude that pats me on the back and tells me everything will be alright.

When did you realize that you wanted to pursue football after high school?
After my 10th-grade year. I never thought of myself as that great of a player. I’m just an average player who works hard. I got people talking to me and colleges were calling me and sending me mail, and I was looking and thinking, “Whoa! I’m not even that good!” But I kept getting things from college coaches, so I thought football is going to pay for my education.

What is the best sports advice?
You have to push yourself past your limits in every sport.

Whom do you admire in the sports world?
Deion Sanders and Nnamdi Asomugha. Nnamdi doesn’t get thrown to a lot, and he reminds me that when I am not getting thrown to, it is out of respect, and I don’t get down about it. Sanders, because he is just an amazing player. He took the cornerback position to the next level.

When do you head off to Michigan State?
I’m trying to leave as soon as possible, but my mom and auntie want me to stay as long as possible. I’ll probably leave somewhere around early- to mid-June.

Are you ready for the cold of Michigan?
I like the cold more than I like the heat. I know that sounds kind of weird, but I’m excited. I’ve never seen snow.