Robinson visits Iowa City

After putting up huge numbers each of the past three seasons, Rockford Lutheran running back James Robinson will head into his senior year with a chance to be the all-time leading rusher in the state of Illinois.

The 5-foot-11, 215-pound Robinson will need 1,874 yards to set the record, which may seem like a lot, but he has already rushed for 1,888 yards as a freshman, 2,469 yards as a sophomore, and 2,227 yards as a junior. He also has a three-year total of 114 rushing touchdowns, which is just one shy of setting another state record.

Needless to say, that type of production has drawn some early college interest for the Class of 2016 prospect, including a scholarship offer from the Iowa Hawkeyes, who had him on campus this past weekend for their spring game.

"They took me around the campus and through the locker room and showed me what the players wear and everything," said Robinson. "Then we watched the spring game and that was about it."

Robinson made the trip with high school teammate Marcus Hayes, a Class of 2017 defensive back. Overall, it was the running back's third visit to Iowa City as he continues to build a relationship with the Iowa coaching staff, especially lead recruiter Brian Ferentz.

"They really like how I look for contact when I have the ball, not just run around people," Robinson said.

Along with Iowa, Robinson also holds a scholarship offer from Illinois State and is receiving interest from several other programs around the Midwest.

"I'm hearing from Michigan State, Illinois, Purdue, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Notre Dame," said Robinson.

Up next for Robinson will be the Nike Camp in Chicago on May 3 and possibly a visit to Nebraska next month as well. While the three-star prospect says there are no favorites early on, he would like to wrap up his recruiting by the end of the summer if possible.

"Maybe before the season starts I'll decide," Robinson said.