Published: May 04, 2009 11:03 pm         

Robinson optimistic about Cowboys

Zac Robinson has the distinction of having back-to-back 3,000-yard total offense seasons in directing Oklahoma State’s high-powered offense the last two years.

Yet the Cowboys senior, nationally, lives in the shadow of fellow Big 12 quarterbacks Sam Bradford of Oklahoma and Colt McCoy of Texas.

“That doesn’t matter to me,’’ said Robinson before speaking to the Northwest Oklahoma Spring Fellowship of Christian Athletes banquet Monday at Cherokee Strip Conference Center.

What matters is what the Cowboys do. With eight home games, including Texas and Texas Tech, OSU could be in a position to make a run at the Big 12 South.

“My goal is to win every game you play in,’’ he said.

The Cowboys, Robinson said, “feel like we can play with anybody. We’re excited to see what the season will bring. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us, but we’re definitely optimistic.’’

OSU can make a statement early with a win over perennial power Georgia in the season opener Sept. 5.

“We’re going to have our hands full,’’ he said, “but I hope that can kick start our season and get us rolling.’’

The renovated Boone Pickens Stadium — expanded to 60,000 — will be dedicated at the Georgia game.

The large home schedule will be a major asset.

“”It’s going to play a big part,’’ Robinson said. “It’s a lot of fun playing in front of big crowds. We have great fans.’’

The key for the Cowboys, Robinson said, “will be playing together as a team.’’

Robinson hopes to be a tutor to incoming freshman Clint Chelf of Enid. He has talked with the Big Blue star at a couple of practices.

“It’s going to be fun to have him down there,’’ Robinson said. “I’ll teach him whatever I can.’’

Robinson rushed for 508 yards and 7 touchdowns last season and threw for 2,735 yards and 24 touchdowns. He completed 67 percent of his passes and his quarterback rating was among the top five nationally.

As a sophomore, he threw for 2,824 yards and rushed for 847 yards. The only other player in the Bowl Subdivision to rush for at least 800 yards and throw for more than 2,800 was Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow of Florida.

“A quarterback can always improve on anything,’’ Robinson said. “I just want to continue to grow to become a better passer and to work on my footwork. It’s a never-ending process for a quarterback.’’

The Enid banquet was the second FCA function Robinson has spoke at this spring. He shared the platform with Bradford at an Oklahoma City FCA banquet last week.

“We have become good friends through FCA,’’ Robinson said. “It’s been a lot of fun to be able to share beliefs with him.’’

Robinson has been involved with FCA since his high school days. It’s become more of an influence on him since he’s come to OSU.

“It’s been a huge influence on me,’’ Robinson said. “It’s helped me get through some tough times in college. It’s always good to have something to lean on and have somewhere to talk with my Christian friends.’’

Before the banquet, Robinson signed a number of OSU footballs and helmets to be auctioned off. He saw a large number of young athletes he hopes to influence.

“I see myself as a role model,’’ Robinson said. “Everybody is looking up to you, not only as a quarterback but how you act in certain situations. It’s always good to set an example. I’m glad I have an opportunity to do it.’’