In 2020, Jakob Robinson was at Utah State. Fast forward to last Friday and Robinson was again making a big play in Logan but this time it was for the BYU defense.

Robinson — a former Orem High star — finished with three tackles, a pass breakup and an interception in the 34-20 Cougar win at Utah State.

It was somewhat surreal for Robinson to be back at the place where he played as an Aggie before transferring to BYU.

“It was really fun getting to see my old roommates and some of my old teammates,” Robinson said. “They were all super-cool but it was crazy. I know how the fans are there so I was expecting it.”

He said that making the interception to seal the victory was an experience he won’t forget.

“I had dropped one earlier so it was really nice to get that one on the last play of our defensive drives,” Robinson said. “Coach Ilaisa Tuiaki made a call that we had been calling the whole game. It just put me in the right spot.”

Robinson said he feels like he has developed a lot since arriving in Provo, with the help of the Cougar coaching staff.

“I feel like I understand the game more, especially with Coach Ed Lamb here.,” Robinson said. “He’s one of the smartest football smart guys I’ve ever heard talk so it’s just nice, listening to him. He gives me a lot of insight on where I should be.”

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake said after the game that Robinson has been a nice addition to the Cougar secondary.

“He would say he should’ve had two picks and he fell down on one play,” Sitake said on Friday. “But it’s our belief that if you make a mistake, you can learn from it and get back in there and make plays. We wouldn’t have won the game without him.”

Cougar cornerbacks coach Jernaro Gilford said Tuesday that he has seen good things from Robinson.

“Jakob was a guy who we recruited but he ended up going somewhere else,” Gilford said. “But he wanted to want to be here, be close to home, so we took him with open arms. He’s definitely performed better than we thought he would. That’s a blessing and we are fortunate to have him.”

Robinson said there have been some challenges as he has had to take on different roles.

“I played cornerback for all of all camp and then they switched me two weeks before the first game,” Robinson said. “I had already learned a new position but they worked with me a lot and so it’s pretty easy to develop.”

He’s now looking forward to the next challenge, which will be facing Boise State’s passing attack when the Broncos come to LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday.

“Our coaches will focus on our technique and make sure it is progressing for every one of us,” Robinson said. “It’s going to be fun.”

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