Rich Rodriguez, Zac Alley Describe Jimmori Robinson Ahead of His WVU Debut

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez and defensive coordinator Zac Alley will finally be able to utilize Jimmori Robinson in a game this week.

Now after watching him practice with a mindset on preparing to play, Rodriguez and Alley both described what they’ve seen so far.

First, Rodriguez called Robinson “an athletic guy” and said that he has “all the skills you want” in a playmaker. Echoing Rodriguez’s comments, Alley also referred to Robinson as “athletic” and a prototypical pass rusher.

WVU DC Zac Alley says Jimmori Robinson looks as good during practice as advertised. He calls him "an athletic guy" and someone who looks like he can rush the passer.

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) September 16, 2025

Their evaluations of Robinson come after Rodriguez cleared up the confusion about his status during his radio show on Monday evening.

Robinson will make his Mountaineer debut this week as WVU opens up Big 12 play at Kansas.

“It’s going to be his first game in the system, so we know there’s going to be some stuff that he’s going to learn through. But we’re excited to have him, he’s a really good player, and I know he’s anxious to play,” Rodriguez said.

WVU DL Jimmori Robinson Set to Make Much-Anticipated Debut Saturday

But in an effort to temper expectations about Robinson’s much-anticipated debut, Rodriguez also explained what to expect from the edge rusher in terms of how often he’ll be on the field.

“Can he play 60 or 70 plays? No way, but he’s been working out and he’s in really good shape. He got some practice in last week and he will practice this week, too. He’s a really good player and he’s excited to play.”

Robinson was one of four Mountaineers forced to file a lawsuit against the NCAA to earn eligibility. As of last week, all four players were all officially placed on West Virginia’s current 2025 roster.

But unlike the others, Robinson has been unable to join the team up until this point due to a discrepancy about his academics.

In the middle of the hearing about the four WVU players fighting for eligibility, an NCAA lawyer dropped a bomb the initial bomb about Robinson’s academic eligibility.

Justin Harrington, Tye Edwards and Jeffrey Weimer were the other players involved in the lawsuit.

Robinson was always viewed as the most important player among the group, with some believing he could become a star pass rusher in the Big 12.

Robinson began his career at Dodge City Community College in 2019, spending two seasons at the JUCO level before transferring to UTSA.

Robinson honed his craft during those four years in San Antonio, picking up 4.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss in 2023 before breaking out last season, dropping opposing quarterbacks in the backfield 10.5 times. He also added 17 tackles for loss.

Find more coverage of the WVU football program at WV Sports Now.