Bijan Robinson started his road to the NFL early. At Salpointe Catholic High School in Tuscon, Arizona, he was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in his senior year. He rushed for 2,235 yards and 38 touchdowns that season, earned a five-star rating and committed to play at Texas.
As a freshman for the Longhorns in 2020, Robinson's dominance as a runner continued, to the tune of 8.2 YPC and an Alamo Bowl MVP title. He added over 400 rushing yards in his sophomore season, logging over 100 rushing attempts. He also showed more in the passing game, nearly doubling his reception total from his freshman season. In the 2022 season, the Longhorns fell short of expectations, but Robinson continued to excel. He recorded career highs in rushing attempts (258), rushing yards (1,580), rushing touchdowns (18), and receiving yards (314). Robinson's performance earned him the Doak Walker Award, an award given to College Football's top running back. He was also named a unanimous All-American.
Bijan declared for the 2023 NFL Draft and there was speculation he would be one of the most highly drafted running backs since Saquon Barkley. The Atlanta Falcons selected Robinson with the eighth pick overall. Robinson entered a fertile and productive rushing environment in Atlanta. The Falcons were No. 4 in the league in rush EPA, and No. 5 in the rushing Success Rate in 2022. Robinson was No. 5 with 263.4 Weighted Opportunities in the 2023 season, but finished as the RB17 in fantasy due to an Atlanta offense slowed by poor QB play and Arthur Smith's eccentricities as a play caller and designer. Smith was relieved of his position and the Falcons are poised to upgrade under center in the 2024 offseason.
