In the space of about four months, Auburn offensive lineman Greg Robinson has gone from a relative unknown to a potential early entry draft prospect as a third-year sophomore. But his offensive line coach, J.B. Grimes, came with an stronger statement Monday about his starting left tackle.
"I think, could possibly be a year from now, the first player picked overall," Grimes said, according to al.com. "Without a doubt, I think he's that kind of player. I don't think that'll happen this year, but he's obviously a great talent."
Robinson told College Football 24/7 Saturday after the SEC Championship Game that he is considering early draft entry, and that he's heard he could be a potential first-round pick next spring.
Based on Grimes' lavish praise, it would appear the Auburn coaching staff believes it.
After all, there is only one real motivation for a potential first-round pick to stay in college for another year, and that is to be a high first-round pick. Not that Grimes doesn't believe his own words -- he probably does -- but "come back for the orange and blue" doesn't tend to work with college players of Robinson's talent. Its seems logical that Grimes thinks Robinson will eventually draw a very impressive draft grade from the NFL Draft Advisory Board, which Robinson told 24/7 he has yet to apply for. Why else would Grimes make such a bold statement? More likely, he is setting the stage for the Auburn staff's ultimate advice to Robinson: Stick around, and your stock could eventually rise ultra-high.
Grimes said he has no idea whether Robinson will leave school early or not.
But he's definitely got an idea of what it might take for him to stay.
Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter *@ChaseGoodbread.*