North Carolina State University Athletics
Robinson Signs With Cowboys
6/27/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
June 27, 2002
Former NC State running back Ray Robinson has found an NFL home with the Dallas Cowboys. Robinson, who was not selected in April's NFL Draft, inked a one-year deal with the club on Wednesday.
"I'm thankful that I'm finally where the Lord wants me to be. Now it's up to me to go out and show what I can do." Robinson said. "I'm excited for the opportunity to play for such a great team with such a great tradition."
During a productive college career with the Wolfpack, Robinson established himself as one of the ACC's most versatile backs. In 43 total games, which included 31 starts, the 5-10, 200 pound native of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina rushed for a total of 2,781 yards, a figure that ranks 4th in school history. Robinson is also 6th all-time in career receptions (113) and stands 5th on NC State's all-purpose yards list.
In Dallas, he'll be joining a team that has reached a crossroads at the tailback position. At the age of 33, veteran Emmitt Smith is nearing the end of a remarkable career that will likely see him pass Walter Payton as the league's all-time leading rusher. Smith needs just 540 yards to eclipse Payton's mark of 16, 726 yards.
Waiting in the wings are several young tailbacks, including Troy Hambrick who is listed as Smith's backup. Former Clemson quarterback Woody Dantzler is also listed as a tailback in the Cowboy's backfield.
There will be at least one familiar face ready to greet Robinson when he arrives in 'Big D:' Ex Wolfpack defensive tackle Darius Bryan inked a free agent deal with the Cowboys last spring.
Robinson, who is currently in Hilton Head, will join the team for a quarterback-skill position mini-camp on Sunday. The Cowboys open training camp at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio on July 26.
