Here’s why Evangel’s Tyreek Robinson is one of the fastest receivers in the state

The road to athletic and academic success has not always come easy for Evangel’s Tyreek Robinson, but as his Eagles head into a “win or go home” game Friday night in Marrero against Archbishop Shaw, Robinson has become an ECA success story.

Robinson’s father, Joseph, was a football and track star at Woodlawn while competing for current North DeSoto head coach Dennis Dunn. Tyreek has mirrored the successes of his father on Broadacres Road as his prep career is winding down.

“Tyreek came into his own by the end of last year,” said Evangel coach and chancellor Denny Duron. “He has become an elite receiver and return specialist, as good as anyone in the state.”

That’s because the 6-foot, 170-pound senior has top-end speed of 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash and 10.5 seconds in the 100 meters. His 22-foot long jump last spring was the district’s best along with his 100 and 200 meter times. That speed will give Evangel (7-4) a chance against favored Shaw (8-2) in the LHSAA Select Division II regional contest.

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Joseph said his son didn’t decide on Evangel until a few days before his ninth-grade year partly due to Covid-19 restrictions.

“Tyreek took a tour a few days before school and was so amazed at how different Evangel was compared to public schools,” Robinson said. “Tyreek was in love with being able to learn his studies and about the Bible at the same time. He never had that opportunity in public schools, and Tyreek used it to become a better student-athlete.”

His work in the classroom and on the field has earned him collegiate offers from Southeastern Louisiana, Central Michigan and Texas State so far. He also has 51 receptions for 860 yards and 16 TDs in 11 games.

“Evangel has really helped Tyreek as a student-athlete since day one of attending,” Joseph said. “Tyreek made National Honor Society last spring and was really excited about that accomplishment.”

While Tyreek has always been fast and athletic, he spent most of his athletic career being one of the smallest. When he entered Evangel in 2020 from Walnut Hill, he was five feet tall and weighed 115 pounds. And the team was horrible, going 0-7 in the Covid-shortened campaign.

“He was a late bloomer physically,” Joseph said. “But he’s always been self-motivated and he loves a challenge.”

Coming into the fold with Robinson were brothers Parker and Peyton Fulghum, arguably the best twins to play in the storied program, along with Baylor commitment Tristan Santoro and Texas A&M commitment Gabriel Reliford. Together the group has brought the Eagles back to relevance. Each year there have been more victories.

As Robinson has matured, his impact has been greater on his team camaraderie and his ability to lead the team.

"Tyreek has learned how to play team ball and to create success rather trying to do it all by himself,” Joseph said. “He really understands ups and down and how to relate it to the Bible. I have learned from Tyreek myself on staying calm while having adversity. His maturity and hard work have made him into the player he is today.”

Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.

Shreveport area second round matchups

All games at 7 p.m. except General Trass at Haynesville (7:30 p.m.). All games on Friday except Mansfield at Sterlington (Thursday).

Southside (8-3) at Airline (9-1)

Archbishop Rummel (5-6) at Captain Shreve (9-1)

DeRidder (7-4) at North Desoto (9-1)

Holy Savior Menard (7-3) at Calvary Baptist (10-0)

Westgate (7-4) at Ruston (10-0)

Evangel Christian (7-4) at Archbishop Shaw (8-2)

Port Allen (6-4) at Union Parish (6-4)

North Webster (7-4) at St. James (8-2)

South Plaquemines (9-2) at Many (8-2)

Mansfield (6-5) at Sterlington (9-1), Thursday

Notre Dame (8-3) at D'Arbonne Woods (8-1)

Franklin (6-5) at Logansport (9-1)

General Trass (6-5) at Haynesville (9-1)

Oakdale (8-3) at Homer (8-3)

Glenbrook (8-2) at St. Mary's (7-2)

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Here's how Evangel helped Tyreek Robinson become a better student-athlete