Former Imani Christian and West Virginia safety Kenny Robinson has been drafted by the Carolina Panthers with the 152nd overall pick in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Robinson, a Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania native, went to West Virginia out of high school and made an immediate impact for the Mountaineers, before choosing to play in the XFL in 2020 before the draft.
As a true freshman, Robinson played in all 13 games, starting eight, and racked up 46 tackles and three interceptions, tied for the team lead. His highlight of the season came against Texas when he returned an interception 94 yards for a touchdown. He was named an Honorable Mention All-Big 12 defensive back following the season.
In 2018 Robinson started 12 games at safety and his production improved across the board. He was second on the team with 77 tackles and second in the Big 12 with four interceptions. His best game came against Texas Tech when he intercepted two passes and made a career-high eight tackles. He was named to the All-Big 12 First Team as a defensive back.
After the 2018 season, Robinson opted to enter the XFL draft, where he was selected by the St. Louis BattleHawks. Robinson was one of the few players to forego college eligibility to join the new league. In five professional games in the XFL, Robinson recorded a pair of interceptions.
Robinson’s play in the XFL kept his draft stock high, with ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. projecting him as a high day-three prospect.
A version of this story originally appeared at our partner site, WVÂ Sports Now.
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