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Following Sack Summit, Darius Robinson Has Eyes On Lofty Goals

Rookie defensive lineman recently earned his master's degree

Rookie defensive lineman Darius Robinson (56) charges upfield during the first padded practice.
Rookie defensive lineman Darius Robinson (56) charges upfield during the first padded practice.

It's a question incoming rookies often hear in the draft process: "Who is somebody that you model your game after?"

Darius Robinson doesn't hesitate with his answer -- Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby.

"(Crosby) was my favorite player to watch last season," the Cardinals' first-round pick said.

So imagine Robinson's feeling when he was invited to the annual Sack Summit camp in Las Vegas, held in early July, to work out and exchange tips with Crosby and other veteran linemen from across the league.

"It was a surreal moment," Robinson said. "To be up close and learn from him. They're superstars but it's all about being consistent. I need to continue to build those habits into my game and my routine so I can be the best Darius possible."

Robinson received advice ranging from hand placement to eye placement and how to excel in pass rush schemes.

The defensive end also has his eyes set on a goal that hasn't been accomplished by a Cardinals defender since defensive end Simeon Rice in 1996.

"Rookie of the year," Robinson said. "That's the only (personal) goal I have for myself. Those are my goals and that's cool to think about, but I've got to think about my daily routine and daily schedule."

Cardinals rookie Darius Robinson (left) works with Raiders Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby during the 2024 Sack Summit in Las Vegas earlier this month.
Cardinals rookie Darius Robinson (left) works with Raiders Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby during the 2024 Sack Summit in Las Vegas earlier this month.

In college, Robinson was used all over the defensive line and showcased his ability to cause disruption with both his hand in the dirt as an interior lineman and by standing at the edge and launching from there. While coach Jonathan Gannon said he wait to judge Robinson's pass rush improvement, the collegiate film matches who the team drafted.

"He showed he could do that here in OTAs," Gannon said. "For the rookies, It's a continuous development, daily development, every day of figuring that out as we go with themselves and the coaches. He'll know what to do Week One, I know that."

As Gannon alluded towards, all of the rookies, not just Robinson, have a lot to learn as they embark on their first training camp. Academically, Robinson is set to put a lid on his learning and turn the tassel on his studies. On Saturday night, Robinson completed his masters degree from Missouri in education and positive culture, with an emphasis in athletic leadership.

He'll celebrate this accomplishment by being the ultimate football guy, with the hope of becoming the player others look towards.

"I just get ready for practice the next day, honestly," Robinson said. "Keep studying the playbook. I'm all about ball right now."

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