Wilmette, Sports

Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Donovan Robinson, Loyola football

Donovan Robinson is a senior defensive back for the Ramblers. He returned a kickoff for a touchdown in Week 6 and will continue playing football for the University of Washington next season. He also plays basketball for Loyola.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

Every single game, right before, I listen to one of my favorite artists, Summer Walker. I listen to at least 10 of her songs before every single game.

2. Why is Washington a good fit for you?

It’s a great fit for me they have a really good defensive scheme. I built great relationships with their coaches and I could really see fitting into the scheme. And a chance to win championships.

3. What is your favorite thing to do off the field?

One of my favorite things to do is go fishing — whenever I am free on the weekends. (I go) every week or so.

4. If you could try another sport, what would it be?

Another sport I would try is soccer. I feel like it’s fun and I like watching it on TV. It takes a lot of athleticism. You have to be able to run and communicate. It’s like football in the communication, but different with the stamina. I feel like I have good feet and that would translate over to soccer.

5. Who is your favorite athlete?

In football, it’s Jalen Hurts (QB—Philadelphia Eagles), ever since college. Even when he got benched (at Alabama), he kept the same mindset, same everything. He’s overcome all the challenges, and he plays for my favorite team, the Philadelphia Eagles.

6. Why Philadelphia?

I was born in Philadelphia, then I moved to Maryland, and then I moved to Virginia and then I moved here, about nine, 10 years ago.

7. What is your favorite personal sports highlight?

I’m going to say last year when I had a pick-six against Naperville North. It was the second game of the season.

8. If you’re in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

Going to get some Mike and Ikes and I’m going to get a root beer. It doesn’t matter the brand—maybe A&W.

9. What is something people don’t know about you?

Something people don’t know is I like playing video games a lot. I’m a really good gamer. One of my games is “Fortnite.” And I like to spend a lot of time by myself.

10. After two straight state titles, what’s it going to take for this team to stay on top?

We take it one day at a time. Every day, come in and want to win every single game. Practice hard, prepare hard, be able to produce on game day. We got a great team in Providence Catholic this week and it’s our last home game of the regular season. We have three tough games coming up, so we have to practice well and when it comes to game day, it should come easy.


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joe coughlin
Joe Coughlin

Joe Coughlin is a co-founder and the editor in chief of The Record. He leads investigative reporting and reports on anything else needed. Joe has been recognized for his investigative reporting and sports reporting, feature writing and photojournalism. Follow Joe on Twitter @joec2319

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