The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Robinson named Maxwell Award semifinalist
11.01.2021 | Football
Sophomore RB Bijan Robinson is the first Longhorn to be named a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award since Sam Ehlinger in 2019.
PHILADELPHIA – Texas Football sophomore running back Bijan Robinson was named a semifinalist for the 2021 Maxwell Award, Maxwell Football Club Executive Director Mark Wolpert announced on Monday. Robinson is the first Longhorn to be named a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award since Sam Ehlinger in 2019. Presented annually to the Collegiate Player of the Year, Longhorn Legends Tommy Nobis (1965), Ricky Williams (1998), Vince Young (2005) and Colt McCoy (2009) each won the Maxwell Award during their careers.
A Tucson, Ariz. native, Robinson currently leads the Big 12 in total touchdowns (14) and scoring (10.5 points per game), while ranking seventh and 10th nationally in each respective category. He ranks second in the conference and seventh in the nation in rushing yards (967) and rushing yards per game (120.9), second in the Big 12 and ninth in FBS in all-purpose yards (147.25) and total points scored (84). His 11 rushing touchdowns are also second among those in the Big 12 and rank 11th in nation.
Robinson has rushed for 100 or more yards in six of eight games this season, including a 216-yard effort at TCU to become the 13th player in program history to eclipse 200 yards rushing in a game and the first since D'Onta Foreman in 2016.
The sophomore has scored at least one touchdown in all eight games this season (11 rushing, three receiving), and has reached the end zone in 10-straight games, equaling the longest streak for a Longhorn since wide receiver and return specialist Jordan Shipley scored in 10 straight games in 2008. The 10-game streak is the longest for a Longhorn running back since Cedric Benson scored in 11 consecutive games in 2003-04, equaling the UT record established by Ricky Williams in 1998-99.
In seven games this season, Robinson has total 967 rushing yards on 163 carries (5.9 ypc) with 11 touchdowns, while hailing in 15 receptions for 211 yards and scoring three touchdowns. His seven-game total includes 1,178 on 178 plays for 6.6 yards per play and 14 touchdowns. Of his 178 plays, 11 have been for at least 20 yards, including runs of 50 and 62 yards.
Semifinalist voting for both of the collegiate awards presented by the Maxwell Football Club will begin on Tuesday Nov. 2 and will close on Nov. 20. Three finalists for each award will be announced on Nov. 23 and a finalist round of voting will take place at that time. Eligible voters include Maxwell Football Club members, NCAA head football coaches, sports information directors and selected national media. All semifinalists are listed in alphabetical order by school with the player's school, position and class designated.
The Maxwell Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA and its 25 awards now boast over 800 recipients, dating to 1935. Visit ncfaa.org to learn more about the association.
2021 Maxwell Award Semifinalists
Brennan Armstrong, Virginia
Matt Corral, Ole Miss
Breece Hall, Iowa State
Sam Hartman, Wake Forest
Drake London, USC
Grayson McCall, Coastal Carolina
Tanner Mordecai, SMU
Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh
Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati
Bijan Robinson, Texas
C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
Sean Tucker, Syracuse
Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State
Malik Willis, Liberty
Bryce Young, Alabama
