The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Robinson named finalist for Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award
12.13.2022 | Football
Junior running back Bijan Robinson is the second Longhorn to be named a finalist for the award.
TYLER, Texas – Texas Football junior running back Bijan Robinson was named a finalist for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award, the Tyler Chamber and SPORTyler announced on Tuesday. Other finalists include TCU quarterback Max Duggan, UTSA quarterback Frank Harris and Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn. Robinson is the second Longhorn to be named a finalist for the award, which was previously won in 2016 by D'Onta Foreman.
"First and foremost, I want to thank God for this amazing blessing. Without Him, none of this would be possible. I want to thank Earl Campbell, his family and everyone involved with this incredible award," Robinson said. "To be a Texas running back and be a finalist for an honor that has his legendary name on it, at the same school where he played and at the same position he played, words can't describe how special that is. Not only that, but personally, I can't say enough about what he's meant to me as a mentor and a friend. I know I can always go to him any time with any question and get advice from one of the best to ever do it, not just at UT, but anywhere and at every level the game is played. And that's not just football, he's given me lifelong advice and is a person I can talk to about anything, and for that, I'm blessed to have him in my life and so, so grateful.
"Of course, none of this would be possible without my coaches and teammates. This honor belongs to them, too, and I know they share my feelings for what it means to us as Longhorns. Finally, I want to thank my family, who have been there for me from the beginning and give me love and support every day throughout my journey."
The award, which is named after 1977 Heisman Trophy winner and Longhorn Legend Earl Campbell, is given annually to the top offensive player in the FBS who also exhibits the enduring characteristics that define Campbell – integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship, drive, community and tenacity. In addition, it is limited to players who were born in the state of Texas, attended a high school in Texas or attended a Texas junior college or university.
"With the year Bijan has had and all he means to our team and our program, we're really excited to see him receiving well-deserved recognition and accolades for such an awesome season," said Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian. "Being a finalist for this one certainly has added meaning with the honor carrying the name of our Longhorn Legend and one of the greatest to ever play the game in Earl Campbell. He's one of our icons who set the standard here and is someone Bijan really looks up to. He's been lucky to have him by his side sharing his wisdom and knowledge throughout his career, and Earl has helped him so much. With all of his success on the field, Bijan has just as much, if not more, off of it — much like Earl and the standard this award represents. I've also got to say for me, personally, Earl has been a hero of mine since I was a kid, and for Bijan to be up for this prestigious award that honors his great legacy is extra special."
The 2022 Doak Walker Award winner, Robinson leads the nation in tandem yards with 1,894 (1,580 rushing, 314 receiving) and is second in total touchdowns (20) while averaging a Big 12-best 131.7 rushing yards and 157.83 all-purpose yards per game. He has nine 100-yard rushing games in the last 10 outings, including a pair of 200-yard efforts, and has rushed for a touchdown in 10 of 12 games this year with multiple rushing touchdowns on five occasions. Robinson has tallied 100 yards from scrimmage 11 times and notched 200-plus yards on three occasions. He has 18 plays (11 rushes, 7 receptions) of 20-plus yards this season, including touchdown runs of 78, 42, 41, 40, 36 and 31 yards.
A native of Tucson, Ariz., he native ranks fourth nationally in rushing touchdowns (18), fifth in rushing yards (1,580), all-purpose yards (157.83 ypg) and points scored (120), and sixth in rushing yards per game (131.7), while leading the Big 12 in each category. His 1,580 rushing yards on the year are the seventh-most in a season in program history, while his 18 rushing touchdowns and nine 100-yard rushing games are the fifth-most.
Robinson earned Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award National Player of the Week honors after a dominating performance in a 55-14 victory at Kansas. He rushed for a career-high 243 yards on 25 carries (9.7 ypc) and a career-best four touchdowns. His 243 yards rushing were the 16th-most in a game in UT history.
In addition to his selection as a first-team All-American by the Associated Press, the FWAA, the Sporting News and the WCFF and earning the Doak Walker Award, he has been recognized as a semifinalist for the Walter Camp Award. Robinson was also named to the All-Big 12 First Team for the second consecutive year and was a unanimous choice in 2022.
