Published: August 06, 2008 11:35 pm         

OU senior eyes national championship

NORMAN — Duke Robinson was expected by some to bypass his senior season at the University of Oklahoma for the NFL after making the AFCA, AP, Sporting News and Sports Illustrated first team All-American squads in 2007.

Three of his teammates — linebacker Curtis Lofton, wide receiver Malcom Kelly and defensive back Reggie Smith — did, but the big money can wait for the 6-foot-5, 338-pound guard.

“I don’t have any regrets,’’ said Robinson during the Sooners’ Media Day Wednesday. “I’m just taking it one day at a time. I feel great just being here and trying to get to the big show.’’

A national championship is the only thing lacking from Robinson’s resume at OU. The Sooners have won back-to-back Big 12 championships.

“That gave me some motivation to come back,’’ Robinson said. “It’s just the tradition and the guys who have been here before us ... We want to be one of the teams that won a national championship.’’

The camaraderie of being one of five seniors (left tackle Phil Loadholt, center Jon Cooper, right guard Brandon Walker and right tackle Branndon Braxton) in the Sooners’ interior offensive line was too much for Robinson to pass up.

“That’s one reason I came back,’’ he said. “A lot of guys I talked with said it’s a lot different in the pros. I wanted to take one more year with those guys and win a national championship.’’

Chemistry, Robinson said, is important for an offensive line.

“You know the guy beside you is going to fight and go hard every play,’’ Robinson said. “Knowing that he’s hurting, but he’s still going hard gives you more motivation to go hard.’’

All five, Robinson said, have the offensive mentality of savoring life in the pits.

“I love that,’’ he said. “Every step you’re getting some kind of contact. I would rather run block all day long. The spread offense is cool, but I would rather get down and dirty and bruise them up a little bit.’’

Robinson and his teammates are being challenged, though, by the Sooners putting in some no huddle plays.

“We have to be in a lot better shape,’’ Robinson said. “We have worked hard this summer. We did a lot of running. We want it more. Knowing your job is a big key in a no huddle offense.’’

OU offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson challenged Robinson and Loadholt, another Sooner who bypassed the NFL for his senior season, to take their games up a notch.

“We’re just doing the things that we’re supposed to do,’’ Robinson said.

With the no huddle, Robinson said the line has to do more studying and film watching to keep up and set an example for young players.

“As an old guy, there’s no room to mess up,’’ Robinson said.

Robinson said he’s in the best shape of his four-year career with the Sooners.

“I could afford to lose a little more weight,’’ said the 338-pound Robinson. “I’m doing whatever I can to get in the best shape I can be in. I’ll probably lose a little more weight as two-a-days go along.’’

The Sooners line is known for its size, with the five starters averaging 310 pounds a man. OU’s success, Robinson said, isn’t based just on pure strength.

“We’re one of the most athletic fronts in the country,’’ he said.

Missouri, Texas and Texas A&M, Robinson said, were three of the best lines he faced in the Big 12. However, the best line he faced was the one he sees every day, especially in the preseason — the Sooners.

“Oklahoma’s line is definitely No. 1,’’ Robinson said.

For the first time in his career, Robinson will be playing with a returning starter at quarterback in Sam Bradford.

“Sam is becoming a better leader,’’ Robinson said.