By Darin Before becoming one of the most dominant college linebackers of his era, Jerry Robinson was an exceptional athlete whose speed first landed him at wide receiver. Discover how this San Francisco native harnessed his elite athleticism to become a record-setting defensive force for the UCLA Bruins and earn his place among the game’s greats.
Football Bio
December 18, 1956 -San Francisco, California – The Linebacker from UCLA, Jerry Robinson, celebrates his birth. Footballfoundation.org shares that Jerry was at first used as a wide receiver when he first showed up at UCLA, as he could run the 100-yard dash in 9.5 seconds and leap 6’-5” in the high jump. They eventually moved him to inside linebacker. Robinson used his speed and athleticism at linebacker to become a three-time All-America selection. During a 1977 game against USC, he put on a show with 23 tackles, and he did even better in a 1978 game against the Air Force Academy, when Jerry registered 28 tackles! As a Bruin, Robinson had 468 career tackles, which set a UCLA record. The voters of the NFF welcomed Jerry Robinson into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996.
Conclusion
Robinson’s unparalleled tackle totals stand as a testament to his immediate impact and defensive prowess at UCLA. His journey, marked by exceptional athletic transition and record-breaking production, solidified his legacy as one of the most celebrated defensive players in Bruins history.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Three-Time All-America Selection: Recognized for his dominance at the linebacker position.
- Single-Game Tackles Record (28): Set a personal and highly notable single-game tackle mark against the Air Force Academy in 1978 (also registered 23 tackles against USC in 1977).
- UCLA Career Tackles Record (468): Set the all-time career tackles record for the UCLA program.
- College Football Hall of Fame (1996): Inducted by the National Football Foundation (NFF) for his extraordinary collegiate career.
- Elite Athlete: Possessed exceptional speed (9.5-second 100-yard dash) and jumping ability (6′-5″ high jump).
