Xavier Robinson, University of West Georgia, Interview with Joe Gaiter

Joe Gaiter: What does football mean to you?

Xavier Robinson: Football means a lot to me. It teaches me the principles of life, how to handle adversity in life, working hard towards something, and even prepare you to be a man. Football is a way of life.

Joe Gaiter: Where did you grow up and how was your childhood?

Xavier Robinson: When I was younger, I grew up in College Park, Georgia. Eventually we moved to a nicer place about 10 minutes south of it which is Fairburn. Growing up my childhood was pretty good for a kid. I made childhood friends and all we did was played football, basketball, and games. There are a couple childhood friends I still have to this day. I made sure I was on top of things with school as well a being a good kid overall.

Joe Gaiter: What are your fondest memories about playing at Langston Hughes high school?

Xavier Robinson: One of my fondest memories about playing at Langston Hughes high school was my senior year when we played against South Paulding. In the 2nd quarter playing them the score was zero to zero. Our mike linebacker named Quay who is also one of my childhood friend came down with a concussion right before halftime. The Doctors told him if he were to have another concussion prior before this game, this may be his last time playing football. When he went down I was speechless and worried about what’s next. When halftime came, my head coach came to me and said “Zay it’s your time now”. In the first half, I would say I had about 3 tackles. By the time the game was over with, I finished the game with 17 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 3 pass break ups. From that moment forward, it set the standard on how I should play and also playing for my brother Quay.

Joe Gaiter: Did you enjoy your time at Shorter University?

Xavier Robinson: I definitely enjoyed my time at Shorter. I feel like shorter is my foundation of my collegiate career because if I was anywhere else, I may or may not have accomplished a lot of achievements I did my freshman year.

Joe Gaiter: You were named Gulf South Conference Defensive Freshman of the Year. How did you get so good at your position?

Xavier Robinson: I honestly did now know I was going to win this award because I was focused on bigger goals that I set for myself. I would say it was a blessing in disguise. I got so good at my position because I set high standards for myself. Knowing that hard work pays, I heard this quote that states “shoot for the moon because if you miss, you’ll land among the stars”. That was my mindset.

Joe Gaiter: What injury did you have while being at Shorter?

Xavier Robinson: While I was at Shorter, I had to receive surgery on my shoulder right before 2021 season and missed that whole year. I played through the injury in the spring season of the four games we had.

Joe Gaiter: What made you transfer to the University of West Georgia?

Xavier Robinson: University of West Georgia always been a consistent winning football program, they have they own football stadium, nice facilities, and a culture. The school is closer to home. Coming to West Georgia, all I wanted to do is win. Coming from a non-winning program at the time I couldn’t ask for anything more.

Joe Gaiter: What were some of your stats this season?

Xavier Robinson: My comeback year I made 2nd team All-Conference. I had 51 tackles which led the team, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and 2 pass breakups.

Joe Gaiter: What does it take to be a good linebacker?

Xavier Robinson: Being a student to the game. Making sure that everything you learn in practice translates to the game. When watching film, you want to be a student and learn your opponents so that you can have the upper hand. Most importantly, you must put in the work consistently and always have the mindset that you’re the best person on the field.

Joe Gaiter: UWG was 8-2 last year. How disappointing was it not to be in the playoffs?

Xavier Robinson: It was very disappointing. We were upset that we did not make it even when an 8-3 team made it over us. We were the hottest team at the time and could’ve made a good run within the playoffs. That’s something that well never forget and must use that to fuel us up for next season. Everything happens for a reason, and we learned from it.

Joe Gaiter: What is your game day ritual?

Xavier Robinson: My game day ritual, I listen to music, eat my lifesavers, walk the field and imagine my Grandad in the stance looking down at me. Most of all I pray and that God for the opportunity.

Joe Gaiter: What is your major and what do you plan on doing with it?

Xavier Robinson: I major in sports management, and I plan on sticking within sports weather it is training, managing, or having my own sports facility.

Joe Gaiter: How have you overcome adversity on the field?

Xavier Robinson: I always think of this saying that one of my high school coaches say whenever you mess up on a play or so and I remember “ one snap, clear”. This means that whatever happened that last play it is over, and you live to fight another play because anything can happen. You can miss a tackle one play then the very next play, you can make a game changing play.

Joe Gaiter: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Xavier Robinson: I see myself somewhere being successful. Having a beautiful family, playing in the league, having my own space of living, nice cars etc.

Joe Gaiter: What is your untold story?

Xavier Robinson: One of my untold stories is that my mom found out that I was in love with football at a young age. When I was 3 years old, my mom was getting ready for work. I was downstairs watching tv at the time and when my mom came, she turned the tv off. When she did that, she noticed that I started crying. My mom then turned the tv on for a couple more minutes to wine me down. Once those couple of minutes went by, she turned the tv off again. Once she notices what movie was on the tv, she knew that I loved football. The movie I was watching is called “Remember the Titans”.

Joe Gaiter: How is your mental health?

Xavier Robinson: My mental health is pretty good. I’m just trying to find Ways to make it better.

Joe Gaiter: What is your motivation on the field?

Xavier Robinson: My motivation on the field is going hard for my Grandad. I knew how proud my Grandad would be if he was still here to see me play. I dedicate it to God, my Grandad, and to even make myself proud.

Joe Gaiter: Where and with who will you be training with over the off season?

Xavier Robinson: I will be in Carrollton for my training. As of right now I will be training with the team so we can get better together.

Joe Gaiter: What can we expect from you next season?

Xavier Robinson: Continue to dominate, be a playmaker on this defense, make conference and shoot for All-American.Joe Gaiter: Final Words?

Xavier Robinson: I thank God for allowing me to play the game I love. If it wasn’t for him, I probably would not have made it as far as I have.

Joe Gaiter: Shoutouts?

Xavier Robinson: Shoutout to my family back home, my past teammates, everyone who contributed into getting me better. I also want to shoutout my Grandad who has recently passed. I made a promise to him which is “Be his big man”.