TAMPA, Fla. — Former Plant star player Mike Williams Sr. is passionate about football in the Tampa area. The former NFL first-round pick returned to the area in 2019, becoming the head coach at Middleton. He spent the following three seasons at the helm of the Wharton varsity football program. Now, he’s in his first season as Robinson’s head coach.
“Some of the best to ever step on the field in Hillsborough County wore the black and silver,” Williams said. "When [the opportunity] came up, it kind of spoke to me different.”
Different is the best way to describe the Knights under Williams. The team had a new look as the players were given new jerseys, cleats, shirts, and sweatshirts before the season. The team also played with a new and improved style. Robinson won the 2M District 6 championship in October — the program’s first since 2012. This Friday, they begin postseason play.
“It’s uncharted waters for us… everything going forward is going to be a new experience for our group,” Williams said.
Last season, Robinson went one-and-done in the playoffs, losing to Berkley Prep. The captains on this year’s team are confident that the Knights can make a deep postseason run.
“We finally got that chemistry and we’ve got it rolling and I finally think we’re at a good point that we think we’re together as a team,” senior running back Wilton Rollins said.
The Robinson Knights kick off the postseason at home against Tampa Catholic at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 10.