Robinson drafted, FAMU duo among others who got free agent calls.

By St. Clair Murraine
Outlook Staff Writer

Throughout last season, Willie Simmons’ mantra was about how HBCU football players — especially several on his FAMU team – are good enough to play in the NFL.

Mike Norvell wasn’t surprised when his star defensive back Jammie Robinson was one of the first FSU players to declare for this year’s draft. Norvell’s expressed his support in a report by 24/7 Sports.

When the draft was over on Saturday, both coaches had more than one player to congratulate, although Robinson was the only one drafted. He was taken in the fifth round by the Carolina Panthers with the 145th overall pick.

Receiver Xavier Smith and linebacker Isaiah Land were both signed to free-agent contacts to play in the NFL. Land is going to the Dallas Cowboys, becoming the second consecutive FAMU player to sign with the team. Smith is going out west to join the Los Angeles Rams.

All Smith wanted was a chance to prove he could play college football when he was a walk-on. He established himself as one of the best receivers ever at FAMU in four seasons making 280 receptions for 3,623 yards with 29 touchdowns. 

His all-purpose performance included 647 return yards, 155 rushing yards, including a rushing touchdown, and one passing touchdown. In his final game as a Rattler, Smith was named Most Valuable Player of the Florida Classic. 

“I can’t say enough about Xavier Smith and how elated I am for him,” Simmons said in a statement. “The Los Angeles Rams are getting one of the best all-around young men I’ve ever coached. I can say with full confidence that no one will outwork him.”

At one point last season, Land thought he had to go to another program to get the attention of NFL teams. Simmons convinced him otherwise.

After having a remarkable season with a nation-leading 19 sacks and 25.5 tackles for loss, Land made quite an impression on scouts during FAMU’s pro day.  He won the 2021 Buck Buchanan Award as the best defensive player in FCS. Despite having a season in which he recorded 7.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles, Land spent some time recouping from injuries.

Optimism was high that Land would have heard his name called by the end of the draft on Saturday.

“Although today didn’t go as we had hoped, we are so proud of Isaiah and extremely excited for his future in the NFL,” said Simmons. “He is undoubtedly a part of a great organization with the Dallas Cowboys that definitely understands the value of FAMU Rattlers with its history of drafting and signing players from the Highest of Seven Hills.

“Isaiah has played with a chip on his shoulder his entire life, and this just gives him more motivation to keep it.”

The Panthers’ drafting of Robinson brings the number of FSU players drafted consecutively to 40.

Robinson was a back-to-back first-team All-ACC selection, Florida State’s first defender to earn consecutive first-team All-ACC honors since Jalen Ramsey in 2014-15, in both of his seasons after transferring into the program for the 2021 season. 

Robinson started in 24 games during his two seasons at FSU. In all, he recorded 183 tackles, including 12.0 for loss with 1.0 sack. He also made five interceptions, eight pass breakups, two forced fumbles and had a fumble recovery.

No other defensive player had more than the 84 tackles Robinson made in (84) in 2021 and 99 last season.

His accolades include being named a first-team All-American by the Senior Bowl. 

After his final game of the season, Robinson told 24/7 Sports that he felt his time at FSU prepared him for the next level.

“I always felt like coach put me in the best position and I just trust in him,” Robinson told 24/7. “I just be committed to whatever they tell me to do, you know what I’m saying. I’m a team player and I just try to be here for my teammates and try to give it my all and give 110 percent every time I step on the field.”

Among the undrafted FSU players who signed was tight end Cam McDonald, who signed with the Green Bay Packers. Receiver Ontaria Wilson signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, and defensive tackle Robert Cooper went to the Seattle Seahawks.