FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas signed an outstanding recruiting class from the transfer portal after a disappointing 4-8 season.
One of the the top additions is South Alabama cornerback Marquise Robinson. At 6-foot-1, 190-pounds, Robinson has the size and speed to make an instant impact with the Hogs. Following Saturday's practice, Robinson explained where his nickname Cuddie came from.
"When I was born, my auntie and my mom... It was really two reasons," Robinson said. "So, the first reason was it was a toy at McDonald's back then, in 2002. I don't know nothing about it. And it was like it was called a whatnot. And the second reason was it was this movie and the guy was smooth as butter. So, my mom and dad was like, I was smooth as the kid. So, ever since I was a baby, everybody called me 'Cuddie.' Even my professors. So, when I heard that I was like, 'Yeah it's a wrap.'"
At South Alabama in 2023, Robinson had 36 tackles, 2.5 for loss, three interceptions, three pass breakups and a fumble recovery in 13 games. Robinson and his teammates shocked Oklahoma State 33-7 in Stillwater. In that game, Robinson had three tackles and a second-quarter interception that set up a touchdown. Robinson and the Hogs will return to Stillwater on Saturday, Sept. 14, this season. Robinson was asked what he remembers from that game?
"The first thing I remember when I think about that game is I should have scored," Robinson said. "That's the first thing. But the second thing is overall just going back for another year knowing that OK, they know Cuddie’s coming back. So now I’ve just got to do everything that I didn't do the first time. Learn from what I didn't do the first time I played them to what I think they'll do now. I feel like when we go back this time, it’s going to be a domination."
During the recruiting process, Robinson was well aware the Hogs return to Stillwater.
"I said, ‘Oh, this is two years in a row,’" Robinson said. "I said, ‘Let's do it. I’ve gotta go back in there, so let's go.’"
Robinson talked about what he has told his teammates about playing Oklahoma State early in the season in Stillwater.
"I was telling them all meetings earlier," Robinson said. "I was like, 'Hey, they line up and that this is going to come.' So we're looking at film and I'm like, 'I just told you they're going to do that right now.' So all the players they... And one thing I like about the DB group here, everybody is listening here and everybody got their own characteristics. So, they really stand out to me here for sure."
The season opener on Aug. 29 is now less than two weeks away. Robinson, who missed some practice time with a concussion, talked about how it has gone for him.
"Man, everybody progresses day by day," Robinson said. "Like, we learn something new every day, and our coaches do a really good job of just explaining the small thing to just make us understand, 'This is how we're going to do things.' So, it's been coming along real well."
When Robinson returned to practice from the injury, he has worked with the first unit.
"I wouldn’t say an accomplishment, but I try to be updated on everything," Robinson said. "Even when I’m out, I try to support my teammates the best I can. I’m pretty sure y’all probably saw that video on Twitter of me dancing when my teammate made the play, but that’s just me every day. I support my teammates when I’m not on the field, when I’m on the field, so when I was out there with the ones, I was like, ‘okay, I just got to step up and be a leader, so even when I’m not in the game, support whoever is in there for me’. That’s how I approached that."
After a great season at South Alabama Robinson had several options upon entering the transfer portal. Why Arkansas?
"I kind of left South Alabama to just expand my horizon," Robinson said. "To just get, 'OK, he's done played in the G5. Now, let's see what he can do against the big dogs.' Because everywhere I went, I was the underdog, that was every school I went to. So, just when I heard Arkansas, I was like, 'Man.' I met Coach [Travis Williams], Coach (Deron) Wilson, Coach (Marcus) Woodson. I'm like, 'Yo, they're family-[oriented], and I'm a family-oriented person. So, once I saw that, I was like, 'Yeah, we're going to make something happen.'"
Robinson and the Hogs will be in Little Rock on Thursday, Aug. 29, to face UAPB at 6:30 p.m. on ESPNU.
Photos Courtesy of Craven Whitlow CW3 Sports Action
