Arlington Heights DT A'Shawn Robinson decommits from Texas, likely to sign with Alabama

By John Henry

Special to the Star-Telegram

Five-star recruit A'Shawn Robinson of Arlington Heights confirmed Monday night that he has decided not to sign with Texas.

The 6-foot-5, 304-pound defensive tackle declined to say what, if any, final decision he has made, though reports surfaced Monday morning that he instead will head to the Southeastern Conference and pick Alabama, the reigning national champion.

Robinson and Heights will conduct a signing ceremony on National Signing Day at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the school's football field, he said.

"I decided it wasn't the right place for me," Robinson said of Texas, adding that he made the decision to decommit over the weekend.

Robinson committed to Texas a year ago, though conjecture about his future ran wild in recent months when it became known he planned to take a visit to Southern California and peaked when Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban made a visit to the Heights campus last week.

Despite those developments, Robinson had indicated that his commitment to Texas remained firm.

Robinson is among the most coveted players in the nation, combining good size with good feet and agility.

He finished his senior season playing in the prestigious U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio and was among six finalists for the American Family Insurance Defensive Player of the Year award, presented to the top high school defensive player in the country.

Robinson's mother, Abigail Robinson, said Monday afternoon that the family was ready for the recruiting process to be complete.

In addition to Alabama and Texas, Robinson received offers from Arkansas, Baylor, LSU and TCU.

"The most important part is the education," Abigail Robinson said. "I'm a parent, and a parent is going to get wherever he is [to watch him play]."

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