For a few months we’ve been told how true freshman wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson was going to get the chance to have the football in his hands this season — as a kick returner, running back and receiver — because he makes the coaches say, “Wow,†when he does, and it was quickly there for everyone to see on Saturday.
To start the game Nebraska received the kickoff, and it was Robinson who was there to return it, going for 11 yards. Then, as the starting receiver, he was the ball carrier on the first play from scrimmage, rushing for 2 more. Robinson was doing what we’d been told he would.
And when the game was over and Nebraska had beaten South Alabama 35-21, it was Robinson -- not Dedrick Mills or JD Spielman -- who led the Huskers in all-purpose yards with 131.
Robinson had 77 yards on kickoff returns, including one for 39 yards. Robinson also gained 33 yards receiving and 21 yards rushing.
His four carries included gains of 10 and 7 yards. His receptions went for 15, 12 and 6.
And it all wasn’t much of a surprise to him.
“I expected to do that,†Robinson said. “I go into every week knowing that I’m going to do a lot of different things from running back, receiver, kick return specialist. I expect to do whatever I have to do every week. So however much they throw at me I feel like I can take it all in.â€
Robinson graduated from high school early and took part in spring football practice. He came to Nebraska after being a record-setting football player at Western Hills High School in Frankfort, Kentucky. As a senior he had 45 total touchdowns.
The moment wasn’t too big so early in his Husker career because he’s been preparing for it for most of his life, Robinson said.
“I’ve always had eyes on me from the moment that I started playing football,†he said. “Especially back home a lot of people knew who I was, and the whole state kind of knew who I was (during) my high school career. It’s just being ready to come out and play football and do the same things that I’ve done since I was 5.â€
Robinson didn’t play in the Red-White Spring Game due to an injury. He admitted he was nervous going out for the first kickoff.
“It felt like it was taking about 30 minutes for that kickoff to come down,†Robinson said. “I was good after that. I was like, ‘It’s just time to play football, the same thing I’ve been doing since I was 5 years old.’â€
Being able to play multiple positions sounds more complicated to those on the outside than it is for Robinson. Some days he goes to position meetings with the wide receivers, and then catches up later with running backs coach Ryan Held. Other days he goes with the running backs.
“I feel like it’s pretty easy, honestly,†Robinson said. “I did the same thing in high school, so I feel like it hasn’t been much of a big transition for me to do that. I know exactly what I have to do. Whenever I go play running back, and I know what I have to do when I play receiver, too. I feel like it’s very, very easy to transition.â€
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost said if the Huskers would have stayed on offense longer on Saturday, Robinson would have gotten more chances to show what he can do.
“I thought Wan’Dale did some pretty special things when he had the ball in his hands, and we’ll keep looking to get that done,†Frost said.
Photos: Highlights from the Nebraska-South Alabama game
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska linebacker Alex Davis (22) (left) tries to strip the ball from South Alabama's Tra Minter (5) on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska running back Maurice Washington rushes against South Alabama in the third quarter last Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska's Darrion Daniels (left) carries a little boy off the field after the Huskers defeated South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska coach Scott Frost talks to a reporter after the Huskers defeated South Alabama 35-21 on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska's Isaac Armstrong (98) (center) punts the ball in a game against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
In the first game of his sophomore season, Adrian Martinez (2) directs a Husker receiver in the second quarter against South Alabama on Aug. 31, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (1) proceeds down the sideline after shaking off an attempted tackle from South Alabama's Travis Reed (not shown) in the second quarter on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska's Isaac Armstrong (98) punts against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska's Mohamed Barry (left) tackles South Alabama's Khameron Taylor just as he makes it in to the end zone on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Max Smith (left) cheers as the Huskers score a touchdown against South Alabama while his friend takes a nap on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska running back Maurice Washington avoids getting tackled by South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska cornerback Dicaprio Bootle is attended to after getting hurt during a play against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska linebacker Alex Davis (22) celebrates with Collin Miller after recovering a fumble in the fourth quarter against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Husker fans watch Nebraska host South Alabama on Aug. 31, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.Â
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska coach Scott Frost (right) talks with Huskers safety Eric Lee as they walk off the field after the team's 35-21 win over South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska safety Eric Lee (left) picks off a pass intended for South Alabama's Cade Sutherland in the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Lee had a pick-six in the third quarter against the Jaguars.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Husker football players run out on to the field before a game against South Alabama last Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Husker cheerleaders run with flags after the Huskers scored against South Alabama on Aug. 31 at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
The Husker marching band takes the field before a game against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Husker cheerleaders perform before a game against South Alabama on Aug. 31 at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska football coach Scott Frost greets people as he walks onto the field against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
South Alabama's Jalen Tolber (8) can't collect a pass during the first half of a football game against Nebraska on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
South Alabama's quarterback Cephus Johnson scores the team's first touchdown in the first half of a football game against Nebraska on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska safety Marquel Dismuke (19) and Nebraska cornerback Lamar Jackson (21) celebrate deflecting a pass in the first half of a football game against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) runs with the ball in the first quarter against South Alabama on Aug. 31 at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska tight end Jack Stoll (86) reacts after getting tackled short of the goal line after a long run in the first quarter last Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska wide receiver Kanawai Noa (9) breaks up an interception attempt by South Alabama's Keith Gallmon (33) in the first quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska tight end Jack Stoll (86) runs towards the goal line before getting tackled in the first quarter on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska running back Dedrick Mills (26) scored two first-half touchdowns against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Herbie Husker high-fives fans after the Unity Walk on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost waves as he leads the team off the buses as they tried a new location for the Unity Walk on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Fans look on as buses carrying the Nebraska football team arrive before a game against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
A Nebraska flag flying above Memorial Stadium is shown reflected in a puddle on Saturday, August 31, 2019.
EMILY HANEY Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost and offensive line coach Greg Austin get ready to walk into Memorial Stadium for a game during the 2019 season. Austin now has new responsibilities with the running game.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) greets fans during the Unity Walk on Aug. 31, 2019, before a football game against South Alabama at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) greets fans during the Unity Walk on Saturday before a football game against South Alabama at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Herbie Husker looks on as buses carrying Nebraska football players arrive on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost leads the team off the buses as they tried a new location for the Unity Walk on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Kai Ranaekers dives through a tunnel as part of an obstacle course before a football game against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Seven-year-old Jackson Strickler of Fremont heaves a "cheeseburger" while playing cornhole for a pair of socks prior to the Nebraska-South Alabama game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Kash Kowalski of Norfolk gets a balloon hat fitted on to his head before a football game against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY HANEY, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
The Nebraska football players take part in the Unity Walk before the game against South Alabama in 2019.
CHRIS BASNETT, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska linebacker Alex Davis (22) celebrates his fourth-quarter fumble recover for a touchdown with Husker teammate Collin Miller on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska defensive coordinator Erik Chinander watches the team during pre-game warm-ups Aug. 31 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska running back Maurice Washington gestures toward one of his teammates during pre-game warmups last Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska coach Scott Frost leads the Huskers out before their game against South Alabama on Aug. 31 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska's Mohamed Barry tackles South Alabama quarterback Cephus Johnson as Collin Miller (31) comes over to help in the first quarter Aug. 31 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska tight end Jack Stoll (86) runs for a first down on a pass from Huskers' quarterback Adrian Martinez (right) against South Alabama on Aug. 31, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (right) tackles South Alabama quarterback Cephus Johnson in the second quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez throws on the run as he's pursued by South Alabama's Tre Young in the first quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Darrion Daniels (right) pursues South Alabama quarterback Cephus Johnson on Aug. 31, 2019 at Memorial Stadium. Daniels is spending time with family in Dallas ahead of the NFL Draft next week.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska defensive coordinator Erik Chinander directs his players during pre-game warm-ups Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska center Cam Jurgens (51) snaps the ball before blocking South Alabama's Jordon Beaton in August 2019 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt celebrates a tackle of South Alabama quarterback Cephus Johnson in the second quarter Aug. 31 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska's JD Spielman (10) breaks the attempted tackle of South Alabama's Zac Crosby (85) on a punt returned for a touchdown in the third quarter on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska safety Eric Lee returns an interception for a third-quarter touchdown against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska's JD Spielman returns a punt for a touchdown in the third quarter against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (1) shakes off an attempted tackle from South Alabama's Travis Reed in August at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) scrambles away as offensive lineman Brenden Jaimes (76) blocks a South Alabama defender in the second quarter on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska defensive lineman Carlos Davis (96) tackles South Alabama running back Jared Wilson in the second quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost confers with assistant coaches Ryan Held (left) and Sean Beckton during the second quarter against South Alabama on Aug. 31, 2019, at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31
Nebraska's Lamar Jackson (left) bumps helmets with teammate JoJo Domann after a second-quarter tackle against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
** Nebraska vs. South Alabama, 8.31 **
Nebraska safety Eric Lee returns an interception 38 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter against South Alabama on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Reach the writer at 402-473-7435 or bwagner@journalstar.com . On Twitter .
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