Norman’s Donovan Roberts on Recruiting

The Norman Tigers’ top running back is making his rounds, visiting Arkansas, Tulsa, Oklahoma State in an attempt to find the perfect fit.

Thursday, July 28th 2011, 6:12 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Apr 7, 2011 4:42 PM CDT

Stephany Speck
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- Norman’s Donovan Roberts made his way back from the University of Arkansas last weekend, after paying a visit to the campus.

“Arkansas is just a different world,” Roberts said of the Razorbacks’ football program.

The running back, who has had looks from offers from Arizona, Indiana, Iowa State, Kansas State, Michigan and Tulsa, said via text message he was “speechless” upon visiting Arkansas’ Fayetteville campus.

Roberts rushed for 2,002 yards in his junior season, racking up 32 touchdowns and averaging 6.5 yards on 308 carries. He had an explosive season, stepping up for the Norman Tigers with big numbers.

“It started with our team leadership. We had a senior-power team last year,” Roberts said of the Norman Tigers’ team. “What started with everything was our senior leadership. Being the younger back here?I had to step up.”

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In between being immersed in track season and class work, he’s able to fit in visits to other schools with interest, but it’s not a process the Norman Tigers’ running back is taking for granted.

“It’s a privilege, not a right. It’s everything that you’ve worked through, through high school and summers,” Roberts said. “Not a lot of kids can be in your position, so I just feel forever grateful. It’s been a fun process.”

"I really don’t have one specific school that I can look at and say, ‘This is where I want to go, this is where I need to go.’ I’m just looking for opportunities and other choices.”

Roberts said he’ll visit Oklahoma State, a program that has yet to extend an offer, on April 16 for the Cowboys’ spring game. The Norman native is still hopeful for an offer from OSU and Arkansas, two schools at the top of his list.

“I’ve always been a Cowboy fan,” Roberts said. “A lot of people give me a hard time about it?I’ve always had a feel about them.”

Living in Norman, Roberts is surrounded by the Crimson and Cream, and draws comparisons between his game and the likes of former OU standout, and current Minnesota Viking, Adrian Peterson.

“I’m pretty balanced?I feel like my strong point is that I’m able to run through kids,” Roberts said.

Despite the similar running styles, Donovan Roberts said, while he looks up to AD and learns from Peterson’s style of play, he doesn’t imitate Adrian.

“I do my own game, somewhat like him,” Roberts said.

When Kevin Wilson left OU in early December, Donovan’s interest followed the former Sooners offensive coordinator.

“Indiana will definitely be at my top,” Roberts said. “I’ve always loved the way he coached the game. I have trust in what he’s going to do with Indiana. They’re going to be in the top for one of my choices.”

Roberts has a few prospects to consider, and could get a few more offers before the decision-making time, but as the running back approaches his senior year, he said he doesn’t feel rushed or pressured to make his decision.

“Some of my friends committed early?I feel like it’s different for different people,” Roberts said. “I really haven’t had a set date. If the opportunity comes around that I need to commit before my senior year, then I’ll do it.

“Right now, I don’t feel any kind of rush.”