8/12/04

Two Minute Drill: Brian Robison
By: Media Relations Assistant Jeremy Sharpe

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Two-sport stars come few and far between, but the Longhorns have one firmly entrenched on the defensive line in sophomore Brian Robison. The 6-3, 265 pounder from Splendora, Texas, is looking to establish himself on the defensive line after playing in all 13 games last season, including three starts at middle linebacker. If throwing shot put and discus and taking on offensive linemen weren't enough, Robison also tied both the UT single-season and the career record for blocked kicks with four in 2003.

Being a two-sport athlete, how much focus is there on track and field during the football season?
Right now, it is all football. As soon as nationals were over, I had a chance to go to the Olympic Trials, but I elected not to, because I was ready to get out on the football field. After nationals, it was all about football. Every once in a while I may go out and throw, but for now, football is the most important thing.

Does the technique you use for throwing help at all on the football field?
On the football field, it is a little bit tighter. In the ring, you have more space, but on the field you have a lot less room so it has got to be quick.

How's your transition to defensive end coming?
I think I'm playing real well over the first few days of practice. I'm still learning the fundamentals of that position, but I feel like I've come a long way. We're going to be real young at that position with myself and Tim Crowder being sophomores, Aurmon Satchell and Kaelen Jakes being juniors and the freshmen, Nic Redwine and Brian Orakpo, but we're all ready to get out there and get after it.

What's your secret to blocking kicks?
It has to do with just laying it on the line. Basically, I'm just willing to do whatever I can for the team. I just try and get up in the air as high as I can. If it means diving and landing on my back, so be it, because I just have to go for it.

So, you expect to block some more kicks this season?
Yeah, I plan on it.

How do you feel physically coming out of the summer and into the fall camp?
Right now, I feel like I might be in the best shape that I've ever been in. We worked out a lot harder this spring and summer, I think, because of what happened at the end of last season. I believe that the amount of work we put in is going to get us back on the winning track.