WR Brian Robiskie (Cleveland Browns)

[Buckskin86]

Rite of passage: Cleveland Browns' Brian Robiskie breaking through a tough rookie summer
by Tony Grossi/Plain Dealer Reporter
Tuesday August 25, 2009


# Joshua Gunter/The Plain Dealer
Despite growing up with a father who played and coached in the NFL, Brian Robiskie's first professional training camp has been more than he expected. But as the regular season approaches, Robiskie feels like he's gaining traction on and off the field.


BEREA, Ohio -- Even Brian Robiskie -- the most prepared rookie on hand, the most polished receiver in the 2009 draft, the son of an NFL coach and a Browns ballboy for a few seasons -- was thrown off his game a bit in the first Eric Mangini training camp.

And he had the benefit of his father's 26 years experience as an NFL coach with five teams, including the Browns.

Terry Robiskie did what he could to prep his son on what to expect. But it's like learning to swim. You don't know what the water feels like until you jump in.

"Everything he told me [has occurred]," Brian said after a recent marathon practice session. "But there were times I called him and I said, 'Dad, you told me about it but you didn't really tell me about it.' There were a couple of those phone calls. Hearing about is one thing, but going through it is something in itself."

The meetings, the video review sessions, the play installations, coaches screaming at you. And just when your head stops spinning from the mental work, somebody on the field nails you and spins it the other way.

"There's going to be ups and downs," Robiskie said.

The down for him probably was the fourth day of camp when he dropped three passes in a five-play sequence. It could take him a whole season of practices at Ohio State for him to drop three balls. He called his dad that night and said, glumly, "I dropped three today."

"Those are the days that you have to get past and know that there's going to be another day," Robiskie said. "That's the biggest thing with camp -- you know there's going to be another practice, and some days two practices. So you have to get those days behind you.

"Myself and anyone who's had a bad practice, they want to see how you respond the next day. That's something they're looking for. You've got to come out and perform on the days when you don't feel your best. The whole point of camp is to get guys mentally ready as well as physically ready." "Myself and anyone who's had a bad practice, they want to see how you respond the next day," Robiskie said. "That's something they're looking for. You've got to come out and perform on the days when you don't feel your best."

The day of drops coincided with the rise of fellow rookie receiver Mohamed Massaquoi from Georgia. The two were selected in the second round of the draft -- Robiskie 36th overall and Massaquoi 50th. Robiskie is so much familiar to Ohio football fans than Massaquoi, from the Midwest-hated Southeastern Conference, that many just assumed Robiskie would be the one challenging for the vacant No. 2 receiving job.

But as Mangini said, "I think with rookies, sometimes the wall hits them. They don't hit the wall. It's a tough transition."

Rite of passage: Cleveland Browns' Brian Robiskie breaking through a tough rookie summer - cleveland.com

[Buckskin86]

Robiskie knows about Cleveland
* AP Wire
August 26, 2009

BEREA (AP) -- Brian Robiskie still has to carry other players' equipment off the Browns practice field, only now the pay is much better.

Robiskie is back with the Cleveland Browns. Sometimes it feels like he never left. Drafted in the second round with the 36th overall pick in April's draft, he grew up cheering for the Browns as the son of an assistant coach.

Terry Robiskie worked on the Browns' staff from 2001-06, even serving as interim head coach for the final five games of the 2004 season following Butch Davis' resignation. While his father was on staff, Brian Robiskie sometimes served as the team ballboy -- while also setting records at Chagrin Falls High School and then Ohio State.

"It was strange walking into the building and not being a coach's son, not being a ballboy, not being an assistant equipment guy," Robiskie said. "Being a player was definitely a different feeling. But that's been over for a while. I've gotten pretty used to what I'm doing now."

Robiskie hasn't given up all his old duties, since by tradition rookies carry veterans' shoulder pads and helmets off the field. Robiskie doesn't mind. He's focused on more important duties, such as competing for a spot against fellow rookie receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, selected 14 picks after him in the second round.

Based on practice snaps, Massaquoi seems to hold a slight edge over Robiskie, although both rookies are behind veterans Braylon Edwards, Josh Cribbs and Mike Furrey.

Massaquoi started at receiver against the Detroit Lions on Saturday in Cleveland's second preseason game, but was back working with the second team during practice on Tuesday. Robiskie and Massaquoi each had a 24-yard reception against the Lions.

With Donte' Stallworth suspended for the season by the NFL, Cleveland is searching for a receiver to start opposite Edwards. So far, neither rookie has been able to supplant Cribbs, a special teams star who is getting his first real shot on offense this summer.

Browns coach Eric Mangini concedes Robiskie may have hit a wall during training camp, similar to how most rookies deal with their first tour of the NFL.

"I think with rookies, they don't hit the wall, the wall hits them," Mangini said. "It's a tough transition."

Intelligence is a strength for both of the Browns' rookie receivers. Robiskie was a two-time Academic All-American at Ohio State and a finalist for the Draddy Trophy, otherwise known as the academic Heisman. Massaquoi was an Academic All-SEC member at Georgia.

Mangini looked at the rookies' notebooks last week and was particularly impressed with Massaquoi's intricate notes.

"I like to go back and review and retain and put things in my own words so I can better understand how it relates to me," Massaquoi said. "I like to put a more vivid description of what is being said."

Robiskie left Ohio State in the top 10 in career receptions and receiving yards. Massaquoi's 2,282 career receiving yards rank fourth all-time at Georgia, where he was catching passes from quarterback Matthew Stafford, the No. 1 overall pick in April.

Happy to get receiving in place

Crescent-News.com - Robiskie knows about Cleveland

[Buckskin86]

Chagrin's Robiskie is right at home with Browns
(by Steve Novak - August 27, 2009)


Chagrin's Robiskie is right at home with Browns
By STEVE NOVAK


Brian Robiskie is back on familiar ground. He's back at 76 Lou Groza Blvd., which just happens to be the address of the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea.

Eight years ago, when Robiskie was 13 years old, he began part of his summer serving as a ball boy for the Browns. At that time, his father, Terry Robiskie, was a Browns' assistant coaches.

After successful seasons at Chagrin Falls High School and Ohio State University, Robiskie became a second-round draft choice of the same team that employed him as a teenager.

This summer, Robiskie is back on his familiar ground. However, he's not assigned to locker-room equipment duty any more. This time, he's in contention for a job as a wide receiver.

The 21-year-old Robiskie, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 209 pounds, already has an impressive set of numbers attached to his biography. He caught passes for 1,885 yards and 34 touchdowns in high school. In college, he pulled in 127 passes for nearly 2,000 yards.

Another number which should be considered is that Robiske spent two decades growing up in the household of a National Football League coach. Besides working for the Browns, his father has been a coach at Washington, Miami, Oakland and now Atlanta.

"There's not enough I can say about what he has done for me. Not only having him coach my position, but having him coach at a level he's been at for so long is, with the knowledge he has and then has been able to pass onto me, it's helped me a tremendous amount," Robiskie said about his afther.

Chagrin's Robiskie is right at home with Browns - Chagrin Valley Times The Solon Times, The Geauga Times Courier

[Buckskin86]

Rookie receiver Brian Robiskie is fifth on the depth chart. He didn?t see time at receiver until the fourth quarter against the Titans, following Edwards, Cribbs, Mike Furrey and rookie Mohamed Massaquoi.

Petrak: Quinn should be Browns’ QB | Chronicle-Telegram

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No. 2 receiver: Mangini said Tuesday that he could have different starters at this spot during the season, depending upon matchups. At the moment, it appears that Pro Bowl special teamer Joshua Cribbs or rookie Mohamed Massaquoi will be No. 2, with six-year vet Mike Furrey the slot receiver. That leaves fan favorite Brian Robiskie, the 36th overall pick from Ohio State, at No. 5. Robiskie needs a big game against the Bears to make a case for more playing time.

Ohio.com - Players on the bubble hope it doesn't burst

No. 2 receiver: Although Josh Cribbs has made a strong case for the spot opposite Braylon Edwards, Mangini won't necessarily name a No. 2 or use the same one each week. Veteran Mike Furrey has played well all preseason and figures to get plenty of reps. Rookie Mohamed Massaquoi has also performed well enough to merit playing time.

"I don't know if it has to necessarily be 'this is number two, this is number three, this is number four,'" said Mangini. "Sometimes, you rotate guys through and depending on roles on special teams, depending on matchups, you could have all different starters throughout the course of the year."

He said rookie Brian Robiskie's ability to get on the gameday roster early on might depend on his special teams contribution.

"Where I was really happy with Brian this past game was special teams," said Mangini. "That's really important. You have to have a role. How can you get to the game? How can you get to the 45-man roster? It's important everybody understands that."

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/inde...has_plent.html

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Video: Branson Wright interviews Cleveland Browns receiver Brian Robiskie about the Ohio State Buckeyes vs. USC Trojans game
by Branson Wright and David Petkiewicz, The Plain Dealer
Friday September 11, 2009

VIDEO: Branson Wright of Starting Blocks interviews Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver Brian Robiskie about Saturday's Ohio State Buckeyes vs. USC Trojans football game in Columbus. Robiskie, an Ohio State graduate, and the Browns open the 2009 season on Sunday at home against the Minnesota Vikings.

Video: Branson Wright interviews Cleveland Browns receiver Brian Robiskie about the Ohio State Buckeyes vs. USC Trojans game - cleveland.com

[Buckskin86]

Sitting out
Rookie second-round pick Brian Robiskie, No. 36 overall, was a healthy inactive Sunday. The Ohio State alum is the No. 5 receiver and played sparingly in the opener, failing to catch a pass.

Browns notes: Cribbs catches five, makes little impact | Chronicle-Telegram

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Transcript and Video of Brady Quinn Discussing Sunday's Game Against the Baltimore Ravens

(On if Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie are ready to contribute)- ?I can?t speak for them, but I think, from what I see, they do a great job in practice. They?ve done a great job with the opportunities they?ve had to get in the game. I have complete confidence in them.?

Transcript and Video of Brady Quinn Discussing Sunday's Game Against the Baltimore Ravens | Cleveland Leader

[Buckskin86]

ABOUT THE BROWNS . . .
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Coaches believed Mohamed Massaquoi had moved ahead of fellow rookie receiver Brian Robiskie long before the beginning of training camp. During minicamps, the receiver from Georgia seemed more athletic, more suited to help on special teams, and able to grasp the system faster. There has been some discussion of even starting Massaquoi today in Baltimore. If nothing else, he is expected to play more than in the first two games.

At the moment, Robiskie is rated the team's No. 5 receiver behind Braylon Edwards, Mike Furrey, Joshua Cribbs and Massaquoi. That makes it difficult for him to get on the field. Furrey is able to help out on defense at safety. Cribbs plays special teams. Edwards is the obvious No. 1. So in the coaches' view, that will often leave Massaquoi and Robiskie battling for the last spot to dress for the game.

ABOUT THE BROWNS . . . - Cleveland.com

[Buckskin86]

Brian Robiskie was active but did not catch a pass or make a tackle on special teams.

Browns notes: Passing grade for D.A. - The News-Herald Sports : Breaking news coverage for Northern Ohio

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Mangini added that the trade gives new opportunity to Brian Robiskie, the rookie from Ohio State who has dressed for just two of the Browns' four games after being drafted in the second round in April. Mangini said he will not name the starting wide receivers for Sunday's game against Buffalo until later in the week.

Braylon Edwards traded by Cleveland Browns to New York Jets for two players and draft picks | Cleveland Browns - cleveland.com - - cleveland.com

[Buckeneye]

I'd like to see both Mohammed and Brian out on the field more - I realize their young but were going to need them to have as much game experience as possible.

[strohs]

Originally Posted by Buckeneye

I'd like to see both Mohammed and Brian out on the field more - I realize their young but were going to need them to have as much game experience as possible.

Mohammed at this point should be the #1 reciever. I really hope Robo steps it up now...

[exhawg]

Originally Posted by strohs

Mohammed at this point should be the #1 reciever. I really hope Robo steps it up now...

I agree. Judging by size and ability I'd like to see Robo at #2 with the other guys playing the slot.

[Buckskin86]

Browns notes: Robiskie might get first start
Published: Thursday, October 8, 2009
By Jeff Schudel
JSchudel@News-Herald.com

Brian Robiskie, still looking for his first catch as a pro, might start Sunday in Buffalo, Coach Eric Mangini said Wednesday morning, less than three hours after the Browns traded Braylon Edwards to the Jets.

If it happens, it would be a huge jump for the rookie from Ohio State drafted 36th overall. He played on special teams in the first and fourth games and was inactive in the second and third games.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to keep working," Robiskie said when told what Mangini said. "I'm going to try and approach it the way I have ? every day in practice, I've come out and I've tried to get better."

Robiskie is different than Edwards in a couple ways. He isn't going to stretch defenses the way Edwards did, but he has reliable hands. Edwards dropped the first pass from Derek Anderson last week.

Robiskie never had off-the-field issues at Ohio State. Problems when Edwards was out of uniform were a factor in Edwards being traded.

"I don't know what the connection was between (Edward's off-the-field issues and the trade), but obviously Coach has stressed the importance of preparing yourself on and off the field and holding guys accountable," Robiskie said. "It's the NFL, it's a business and teams are going to do what they feel they need to do (to get better). All we can control is what we do in practice and on Sundays."

Browns notes: Robiskie might get first start - The News-Herald Sports : Breaking news coverage for Northern Ohio