Colorado's freshman receivers are embracing early opportunities

BOULDER — When Ty Robinson hopped on CU’s jet to Phoenix to take on Arizona State, he was living out his dream.

“The plane was packed—all these big guys sitting right next to each other—but it was actually pretty fun,” Robinson told DNVR. “I used to dream about playing on a college football team and traveling to other places and experiencing other stadiums and seeing what their life is like, so for me it’s really cool to experience.”

But Robinson hasn’t had time to enjoy the perks of being a Pac-12 football player. Instead, he’s been learning how to contribute to a Power 5 football team.

Robinson, who turned 18 in May, has become a consistent piece of CU’s offense. The freshman wide receiver moved to No. 2 on the depth chart at the X wide receiver position when La’Vontae Shenault was sidelined by a suspension.

He made in the season-opener against Northern Colorado.

“Obviously I was super nervous,” he said. “Even though I’m a freshman, I have to grow up.”

Robinson’s role grew after his first game, bu he didn’t see this much playing time—about 18 offensive snaps per game, good for fifth-most among receivers—coming his way this early in his career.

“It wasn’t really what I expected,” Robinson told DNVR. “No matter where I am on the depth chart, I’m just going to keep working to try and help this team.”

Robinson was a dual-sport athlete at Eaglecrest High School in Aurora. On top of playing receiver, he was also a guard on the basketball team with a scholarship offer to play basketball at Minnesota.

Colorado kid Ty Robinson (Eaglecrest HS) with the No. 1 play on SportsCenter 😱 pic.twitter.com/wdYUQmStsu

— RK (@RyanKoenigsberg) November 28, 2019

But Robinson chose to abandon basketball to play for Colorado. And now he’s going toe-to-toe with veterans who have played Pac-12 football for years.

“This isn’t high school anymore, these are grown men out there,” Robinson said. “I’m blessed to be getting the opportunity to play at such a young age so I’ve just got to make the most of it.”

His first catch came Week 3 against Minnesota.

“It was really cool to be playing on our home field at Folsom,” he said. “Just an eye-opening experience. This is really cool. I’m super excited to be playing for this team, glad I get to represent my home state. And it’s just really exciting for me.”

Robinson isn’t alone, either.

Chase Penry, another freshman, is right behind Robinson in the rep count, thanks in part to an injury to Jaylon Jackson, Colorado’s second-string slot receiver.

“It’s been a blessing,” Penry told DNVR. “I’m very thankful for the opportunities I’m getting on the field so far, especially being a true freshman, but I’m just trying to make the most of all the opportunities.”

So far, Penry has put up four catches for 37 yards, while playing about a dozen offensive snaps per game. He also found the end zone for the first time against USC.

“I saw how the safeties aligned and I knew I had a shot,” the receiver said. “B-Lew (quarterback Brendon Lewis) gave me a shot, gave me an opportunity, and I just made the play.”

Not giving up.

1st career rec TD for @CUBuffsFootball's Chase Penry.

📺 Pac-12 Networks
📱https://t.co/od3l0Tm2ul#GoBuffs | #Pac12FB pic.twitter.com/0ZMDEpL61f

— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) October 2, 2021

“I definitely will remember that moment for the rest of my life but, like I’ve been telling these guys, it would have been much more special having come out on top,” Penry said. “I’m all about the team.”

While the numbers are modest for both receivers, it’s worth noting that only one CU pass-catcher, Brady Russell, has over 100 receiving yards this season. Robinson credits Daniel Arias, who is No. 2 on the receiving yards list, with helping him adjust to the college game. He noted Shenault’s help too.

“All the receivers—no matter if they’re a sophomore or senior—they all help each other out and they all take each other and give each other knowledge,” he said.