Hello Cal fans, my name is Lamar Robinson. I’m originally from Northern Virginia, where I went to Hayfield Secondary School. I play offensive line for Cal.
Growing up, it was me, my mom, my sister, and my older brother. None of them played sports, but I was always outside as a kid. I started out playing soccer, and as I got bigger, my mom put me in football. That’s when everything changed for me.
I earned my first scholarship offer in high school, and that’s still one of my favorite memories. It felt like all the work I was putting in was finally getting noticed and it meant I didn’t have to stress about how I was going to pay for school.
I signed with Norfolk State, an FCS HBCU, and played all 11 games as a true freshman. One of the best moments of my life was getting a call from my coach after camp telling me I was going to be the starter. That was huge for a true freshman.
From there I transferred to Georgia State, a G5 program, and between the two schools, I played over 1,400 snaps. Being part of a program that had built some real respect around it felt good after where I’d come from.
Entering the transfer portal and picking Cal was about longevity for me, thinking beyond just football. It was the smartest decision for me academically, and I felt like I had the same opportunity to compete here as I did at any other school. Between the degree and the connections I could build at a university like this, it was the right move.
Earning a degree from Cal will be huge for me. I’ll be a first-generation college graduate. That’s not something everyone gets the chance to do, and I don’t take it for granted.
I have a great relationship with the staff here. Coach Tosh is a very intentional coach. Whatever he’s doing, he’s doing it one way, 110%, no in-between. Coach Anae builds your mentality just as much as your technique, and I respect that. Our offensive coordinator is extremely smart, and it shows in how he can manipulate a defense.
The thing I’ll miss most from Norfolk State and Georgia State is the friends and relationships I built at both places. I have no regrets from either program. I was respected, and I was respectful, everywhere I’ve been.
What I’m most looking forward to at Cal is simple: what we’re going to accomplish together, and getting better and better every game week. This team is going to be as good as we allow it to be and I think Cal fans should expect to see a resilient, brotherhood-driven team on the field this season.
Coming to Cal was one of the best decisions I’ve made and I’m grateful for the opportunity. I believe great things are ahead for this program, and I’m excited to be part of turning things in the right direction.
#CALGANG #GOBEARS!
Related:
Frederick Williams III, In His Words: Why I Chose Cal
Bastian Swinney, In His Words: Why I Chose Cal
Joshua Pierce, In His Words: Why I Chose Cal
Isaiah Crosby, In His Words: Why I Chose Cal
Chase Hendricks, In His Words: Why I Chose Cal
Carter Vargas, In His Words: Why I Chose Cal
Cooper Perry, In His Words: Why I Chose Cal
AJ Tuitele, In His Words - Why I Chose Cal
