Experts look at Duce Robinson’s career choices and tension points

There is so much to say about new USC commit Duce Robinson not only because he is a dynamic player, not only because he is a two-sport star, not only because he plays for Lincoln Riley with a Heisman-winning quarterback named Caleb Williams, but because he might not even play for USC.

Yes, it really is that complicated.

While it is undeniably great news that Robinson committed to USC over Kirby Smart and Georgia, we are not yet at a point where Robinson is absolutely guaranteed to play for the Trojans. No, you shouldn’t be freaking out, but you shouldn’t think it’s a done deal that Robinson will suit up for USC this fall. There are more plot points to deal with this summer, well before the scheduled season opener in late August against San Jose State.

Here’s what various 247Sports analysts are saying about Duce Robinson the athlete and Duce Robinson the football and baseball prospect, a man who has important decisions to make:

(h/t Blair Angulo of 247 Sports)

GREG BIGGINS

Jan 2, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts during the first half against the Tulane Green Wave in the 2023 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

“While the tight end didn’t play a big role in USC’s offense last season,” Biggins said, “Riley was known for developing tight ends and getting them drafted at Oklahoma. Former Sooner Mark Andrews is just one name that was comped for Robinson and the family is comfortable he will get plenty of balls in the offense. Robinson had grown very close with several members of the USC ’23 recruiting class and although we don’t think that was a top-three factor, we do think it did play a small role in terms of his comfort level with the school.”

BRANDON HUFFMAN

Sep 6, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Pinnacle wide receiver Duce Robinson performs a drill during practice at Pinnacle HS football field.
High School…