June 17, 2008

Johnson C. Smith University director of athletics Steve Joyner Sr. and head football coach Daryl C. McNeill Sr. announce the appointment of Rod Robinson as defensive coordinator for the Golden Bull football program. Robinson replaces Eric Puryear Sr., who spent the last two years running the defense. Robinson began his new duties on June 2, 2008.

Robinson is no stranger to the Golden Bull football program. This is his 10th season (third stint) as an assistant coach. He was a student assistant in 1998 and a volunteer coach working primarily with the receivers/tight ends until 2001. In 2003, he was promoted to full-time status and took over the reigns as the offensive line coach, a position which he held until 2005. Robinson had a brief stint at Cheyney State University serving as the offensive coordinator in 2006. He returned to the Golden Bulls in 2007 as a volunteer coach working with the tight ends and tackles.

"Rod is a proven leader and has had great success at every position he has coached," McNeill said. "He brings a system that fits the strengths of our defensive personnel."

Robinson is looking forward to the new challenge. "It is an exciting opportunity to be involved with a program that is on the rise," Robinson says. "One thing that I have learned from Coach McNeill and has stuck with me is, if you are good to the game, the game will be good to you."

Robinson began his ties with JCSU in 1996 when he transferred from Arizona Western College. At AWC, he played the tight end position and was selected to the All-American Team. As a transfer to the Golden Bulls, Robinson had an enormous impact. Selected to the All-CIAA second team (1996-97), Robinson was captain of the 1996 squad which finished with a 7-3 overall record.

The Atlanta, Ga. native resides in Charlotte, N.C.