Savannah Christian senior Demetris Robertson will make the biggest decision of his life a little more than a week from now, when he ends all suspense and speculation about his college selection on May 2. But while the football world continues to wait on pins and needles, Robertson has his mind on other matters: defending his Class A state titles in the 100 and 200 meters, and the long jump, as well as his all-classification high-point award title at the Georgia High School Association track and field championships, also known as the Georgia Olympics (May 13-15, in Jefferson).
Robertson – who has already made his decision but is waiting to make the public announcement to accommodate all of the media outlets that plan to attend – plans to forgo spring football for track at his college of choice and has the blessings to do so from the staffs at the finalists on his list: Cal-Berkley, Georgia Tech, Notre Dame and UGA.
After qualifying this week for the Class A Sectionals, the nation’s top unsigned football recruit for the class of 2016 took some time to talk track.
When did you start running track?
“I’ve been running since I was really young, like 10 or 11 years old. I ran in the summers with my AAU team (Savannah Cheetahs). I’ve always played basketball too, and I love it. But I really love track.”
What do you love about track?
“I just like running and competing against the best because it makes you push yourself to get better. Football is the same way, but in track there are so many little things that can throw you off, so many little things that you have to learn and work on if you want to be the best.”
You have always made it known that you plan to run track and play football. Have all the schools recruiting you been OK with that?
“Yes, all of them. In fact, they bring it up first. [Coaches/recruiters] say, ‘We know you love track and we want you to run when you come.’ All the schools have been cool about it. I've talked to the track coaches and some of the guys on the track teams."
Have you talked to some college players to get some advice, especially football players who are running track, too?
“Yes. I’ve talked to [Our Lady of Mercy grad, current Tennessee sophomore sprinter] Christian [Coleman] about getting faster in track. He’s had a lot of success already in college and is getting faster. He told me nutrition, technique, even the way you warm up are the biggest things that you have to work on. And I talked to [Alabama junior cornerback] Tony Brown and the running back at Cal [junior Khalfani Muhammad]. They both said the biggest thing is to keep all of your coaches, your football coaches and your track coaches, informed about your schedule. As long as they know where you are and what you’re doing, you’ll be alright.”
Do you have a plan for gaining and losing weight between seasons?
“My plan is to play football at about 195 [pounds]. I don’t want to get too heavy so I can keep my speed. Then for track, drop down to about 180. It’s challenging but I’ve been doing it, losing about 10-15 pounds [for track] and putting it back on for football. No matter what, I want to make sure I stay lean.”
Aside from making you faster, how has track helped you?
“Track has helped me stay calm and relaxed this year. The recruiting [process] has been really busy. People come up to me and always want to talk about football and where I’m going and all that. I don’t mind. But track has helped me be at peace.”
How do you feel heading into the sectional and state meets?
“I feel pretty good. I’m not running the times I want yet, but that will come. I’m going to make sure I get proper rest, eat right and work on my technique. I need to work on getting out of the blocks better and in the long jump I need to work on my steps.”
What are your plans for the summer?
“I’m going to have a full summer of track. I’ll be in [college] summer school, but I’m going to keep training for track, too. I’m running in a meet in Clovis, California [USATF Junior Championships] and in the Brooks PR Invitational in Seattle.”
As important as track is to you, would you like to run in the Olympics some day?
“Definitely. Even if I am able to make it to the NFL, I want to still be able to try out for the Olympics, like the receiver for Buffalo [Marquise Goodwin].”
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