North Chicago junior Jonce Robinson already had the athletic ability to play football at a high level
But the 6-foot-2, 225-pound Robinson only recently decided he wants to do that. Long beholden to the idea that he would be a basketball standout, he didn’t play football until he was a freshman. Even then, he wasn’t committed to it.
“I didn’t like it that much,” Robinson said. “I felt like a basketball player playing football.”
That changed this summer.
“It started with me falling in love with the weight room, and that really helped prepare me,” Robinson said. “Now I realize football is another thing I love. I love working hard with the guys, and I love the grind.”
Robinson’s freshman season lasted just four games after he suffered a broken wrist playing special teams against Grayslake Central. But he came back as a sophomore to become a two-way varsity starter, manning spots on the interior line.
Robinson had to adjust quickly to the new roles.
“Looking back to last year, on the first play I was not expecting it to be that fast,” he said. “After the first three or four plays, I started getting some tackles. I think I adapted on defense pretty fast.”
Robinson’s quick transition reinforced the staff’s confidence, and it was a no-brainer to elevate him into a role in which he essentially never leaves the field.
“Jonce is a tremendous athlete,” North Chicago coach Wilton Hill Jr. said. “He was always a basketball-first player, and I think this past offseason was the first time he really truly loved football, and it’s showing. He can cause havoc.
“The sky is the limit because he’s only scratching the surface of what he can do.”
Robinson, who was consistently in Waukegan’s backfield during the Warhawks’ 54-0 nonconference win last week, particularly enjoys defense.
“You get to fly around everywhere and attack,” he said. “It’s more of a ‘see ball, get ball’ mentality where the play comes to you.”
But Robinson doesn’t shortchange his responsibilities on the offensive line, where he played right tackle last season and has shifted to right guard for North Chicago (1-1).
“I have to work harder to be good at offensive line,” he said. “But I always know how important it is for us to protect the quarterback. There’s more satisfaction when one of my teammates scores or we have a big play because of how we have to block together.”
Learning more about the game has benefited Robinson immensely.
“Last year, I used to have to ask the center all the time what to do on certain plays,” he said. “Now I know the plays, know my assignments, and sometimes I’m telling people what to do. My confidence level is definitely high.”
That said, Robinson’s biggest play came on defense. He made his first career interception against Waukegan last week.
“That was really not expected at all,” he said. “In the moment, my guy had honestly won his block, so I peeled off and found the quarterback. I watched his eyes and followed his arm to see the way his shoulder turned, and the ball landed right in my hands.”
Robinson began running the wrong way, however, and had a good head of steam before he realized his mistake. Responding to senior safety Amari Earl, who also starred at quarterback against Waukegan, Robinson changed course and actually picked up yardage from the initial spot of the interception.
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“That was terrible,” Robinson said. “I was moving pretty fast because I felt like someone was right behind me. The sideline was yelling, but I wasn’t listening. Amari was right there, and I heard him. He saved me. Watching that on film will be something.”
All jokes aside, Robinson’s ascension is a big win for the Warhawks. He has come a long way in a short time, which those around him can’t help but notice and appreciate.
“When he first started, he had that freshman mindset where he wasn’t ready for the type of pressure he’s facing now,” North Chicago senior linebacker Lepresce Wade said. “I genuinely respect how much better he’s gotten and how hard he works. I’m glad I was able to be a part of his journey.”
Robinson’s football journey isn’t over yet, however.
“I know football is going to be a big part of my future along with basketball,” he said. “If I get good enough at football and have opportunities there rather than basketball, I’ll take the football route.
“Right now my goal is to get better every day, learn as much as I can and go 100% every time I’m on the field.”
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.