Washington State DB transfer Javan Robinson commits to ASU
Previous relationships tend to play a factor when recruiting players from the portal, and this was certainly the case when the Sun Devils were pursuing Javan Robinson. The defensive back played under ASU defensive coordinator Brian Ward at Washington State in 2022, and following Robinson's performance this past season in Pullman, he was pursued by ASU, and now the pair will be ruining in Tempe.
“It was an easy one for me,” Robinson admitted. “They were the first team to offer me when I got into the portal, and I always knew that this was the place I was gonna be at. I was familiar with Brian Ward (ASU and, previously, Washington State LBs coach), AJ Cooper, who recruited me out of school, and a lot of other coaches on the staff. I just knew that it was going to be a place that I could see myself at.
“I always liked Coach Ward and felt that he was a great coach. He prepares you mentally and physically for the game. Me and him always had a great relationship. Coming to Arizona State, it’s the same defense as far as the terminology, the same scheme, and it was perfect for me.”
Aside from his affinity to the coaching staff in Tempe, Robinson, like many of his former Cougar teammates, and Oregon State players for that matter, found themselves wanting to still play in a Power Four (previously Power Five) conference since these two teams were left behind in the musical chairs realignment process that took place within the Pac-12. Needless to say, this was the primary aspect that had Robinson entering the transfer portal to begin with
“I’m a Power Five guy, no doubt about it,” Robinson stated. “So, knowing that we were gonna drop conferences and not play the same competition, that was a deal breaker for me. I wanted to be on a big stage playing the big schools, and knowing that that wasn’t possible made my decision a little easier.”
In 2023, Robinson, who played in seven games, ironically having his lone start coming against Arizona State, tallied 12 tackles,1.5 tackles for a loss, and one pass breakup. He redshirted in 2022 and thus will have three years of eligibility at Arizona State.
ASU does have a need to develop its depth at its cornerback room following the departures of its starter tandem of Ro Torrence and Dee Ford, who both have exhausted their eligibility. Senior-to-be Ed Woods did start in some contests last season, and the rest of that room has inexperienced players. Keith Abney II played quite a bit as a freshman and figures, at worst, to be in the two-deep this year.
ASU added another defensive back from the portal, LSU transfer Laterrence Welch, who also visited Tempe this past weekend.
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