While football players from the 804 have had a great summer, no school has benefited from those athletes more than the Naval Academy.
Recently, Thomas Dale offensive guard Talvis Robinson became the third local athlete to pledge service, behind Benedictine running back Caleb Grimes and Glen Allen’s Jebril Murray.
“I felt comfortable with the coaches and the campus and the other recruits,” said Robinson.
Since his freshman season, Robinson has made headlines just for his size. As a junior, he’s 6-2 and 295 pounds; over the past two seasons his play as caught up.
Initially thought of as another version of Darvin Taylor II (Florida State), he’s evolved into an athletic offensive guard who’s key to a program that’s rich in running history.
“I started playing offensive tackle last year but was moved to guard for my ability to pull hard and fast,” Robinson explained. “I have been playing guard ever since.”
Of moving him to guard, coach Kevin Tucker says the decision “allowed him to be more aggressive because of the amount of pulling we do in our offense. It gave him a chance to showcase his speed and power.”
With Robinson’s protection, Thomas Dale will take to the field and do battle once again, opening the season at home against Cosby Aug. 25 at Ed Karpus Field. Kick-off is 7 p.m.
