It’s the news that no early commitment wants to hear. The head coach who recruited him is leaving.
That’s what high school quarterback JC Robles of Visalia, Calif., faced when Jim McElwain bolted from Colorado State to Florida in early December. Robles had committed to the Rams on Oct. 6.
“Obviously, there is going to be some concern,” Robles said. “My family and I were hoping somebody would be hired as soon as possible.”
Robles, 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, was considered a diamond in the rough by CSU, a two-star prospect at El Diamante High School whose only other scholarship offer came from FCS-level Sacramento State, according to . The Central Valley area typically is not recruited as heavily as other parts of California, but Robles is an intriguing prospect.
For a 4-6 El Diamante team without a proven offensive line, Robles passed for nearly 2,500 yards and 22 touchdowns last fall. He also showed enough mobility to rush for 400 yards and 11 scores.
New CSU coach Mike Bobo called Robles soon after his introductory news conference Dec. 23.
“When Coach Bobo called, he hadn’t yet looked at my tape,” Robles recalled. “He said he was going to be real honest and let me know if I wouldn’t fit into their system. I appreciated him being honest about that.”
Fortunately for Robles, Bobo liked what he saw and honored the scholarship commitment. Bobo has twice visited Robles and his family.
“Coach Bobo said he loved what he saw of my film,” Robles said. “He said I’m still raw as a quarterback and that I can improve on a lot of things and they will help me do that. He told me a couple of things I can start working on.
“I really like what he is about and what he stands for. I’m really fired up about going to Colorado State and playing for him.”
El Diamante coach Mark Rogers ran a pro style offense similar to the system Bobo coordinated at Georgia.
“JC is a great kid,” Rogers said. “He has big upside. He’s got a great work ethic, and after he gets to Colorado State he’s going to get bigger and stronger and faster. He’s also a smart kid. I don’t think he has touched his potential.”
National signing day is Wednesday. Robles is Colorado State’s only known quarterback commitment. With the departure of Garrett Grayson, Robles will compete in August with sophomore Nick Stevens and redshirt freshman Coleman Key for snaps.
Tom Kensler: tkensler@denverpost.com or
