Choctaw's Le'Keefe Robinson running strong (VIDEO)

By ADAM PRUIETT

Florida Freedom Newspapers
(850) 315-4484 | adamp@nwfdailynews.com

FORT WALTON BEACH - Le'Keefe Robinson's road to stardom looked like it would be smooth until it took a sharp detour before getting back on track this season.

As a sophomore, the Choctawhatchee running back showed promise by filling in capably for Jarrell Grant in a pair of games, scoring his first career touchdown against Navarre while collecting 105 yards versus Milton. He figured that would be a sign of things to come, but then he rolled both of his ankles heading into his junior season.

The second sprain, which occurred during the Indians' spring game, was so severe it wiped out his entire year save a few snaps.

"Football's always been my favorite sport since I was a little kid," Robinson said. "When you get to start for a few games as a sophomore then you expect to start full-time by the time you're a senior, and then you get injured and you can't play at all - it's devastating."

Robinson got over it though in a big way. Another ankle injury in this year's spring game left him undeterred, and the Indians (2-0) have witnessed in two games what a healthy Robinson can do as he's racked up a team-best 289 yards rushing and four touchdowns behind a 6.6 yards-per-carry average.

"We didn't know if he really wanted to play (after his third ankle injury)," first-year Choctawhatchee coach Greg Thomas said. "He's just made a commitment to come back, and he did not miss one workout for us the entire summer. He's just been giving us every cent, and thus far he's had two good games. We're expecting a lot of good things from Le'Keefe the rest of the season."

Robinson is as soft-spoken and modest as they come. When asked about his running style, he hesitated to offer anything that might sound the slightest bit boastful, deferring to his coach's' opinion of him.

Well, Thomas said he has excellent speed.

After that was relayed to Robinson, he still wouldn't bite, providing evidence rather than outright confirmation by saying, "I won the 100 (meter dash) in county."

"Le'Keefe doesn't say two words. He's quiet, he's to himself but he's always giving it all he has in practice," Thomas said. "You can tell it's important to him. It bothers him when he makes mistakes, and he tries to correct his mistakes. All around, he's a great kid and a joy to coach."