Jaguars running back James Robinson named to PFWA All-Rookie Team

The Jacksonville Jaguars had a miserable campaign in 2020, finishing the season with the worst record in the NFL at 1-15. However, one clear bright spot was undrafted rookie running back James Robinson.

In just 14 games, Robinson rushed for 1,070 yards, which ranked fifth in the league, and averaged 4.5 yards per carry. Robinson also added 344 receiving yards, and set a new NFL record for yards from scrimmage from an undrafted rookie with 1,414. He averaged 101 yards from scrimmage per game. Robinson also had 10 total touchdowns (seven rushing scores and three receiving scores).

Robinson’s performance this year did not go unnoticed, as the Pro Football Writers of America included him on its All-Rookie Team for the 2020 season.

Robinson was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Illinois State by the Jaguars in late April, following the 2020 NFL Draft. He quickly made a name for himself at training camp, allowing the coaching staff to feel comfortable enough to move on from incumbent starting running back Leonard Fournette.

While the move to part ways with Fournette was somewhat surprising at the time, Robinson showed why he was the lead back on the team immediately, racking up 90 total yards in an opening week victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Robinson kept that level of play up consistently throughout the year, rushing for more than 100 yards in four games, and breaking the century mark in scrimmage yards in seven games.

This is a well-deserved honor for Robinson, who looks to be a big part of the future in Jacksonville’s offense under Urban Meyer.

Fellow Jaguars, defensive end Josh Allen and right tackle Jawaan Taylor, made the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2019.