As a youngster, Delmon Robinson would set up bean bags on top of pillows, strap on his replica Dallas Cowboys helmet and uniform, take a football and barrel through the cushions.

His father, Dellie C., asked many times for him to put the football down and pick up a basketball. His dad not only starred at Alcorn State University, but has been the Vicksburg High varsity basketball coach for nearly two decades.

After a while, it became apparent that Delmon had football on the brain.

It’s those two components – a football and a brain – that allowed Delmon to commit to play football at Mississippi State. Verbal commitments are non-binding, but Robinson said he will honor that commitment when the 2008 college football season arrives.

&#8220State is like a home away from home for me. I know the campus and I like the atmosphere,” said the younger Robinson, who also plays basketball and runs track at VHS. &#8220I’ve always wanted to be a Bulldog. This is a dream come true.”

Robinson has taken the American College Test twice and exceeded the college minimum easily both times. All he has to do is graduate high school and he will be qualified for college.

Graduating won’t be a problem either. His family has preached academic success as long as he can remember. He was a straight-A student until high school. He brought home a C in freshman geometry – it was the last C he’s ever gotten.

&#8220They pushed me, but I realize that it will help me in the future,” Delmon said. &#8220Nothing is impossible.”

Delmon said Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom first saw him during basketball practice, later saying Robinson was the best kept secret in Mississippi.

Other schools, including Louisiana Tech, Ole Miss and Southern Miss, have made pitches, but MSU has been there from the start.

An injury-plagued junior season kept Robinson’s statistics from being eye-opening, but he did rush for a team-best 292 yards. Also the fact that he played running back, wide receiver and defensive back last year kept his numbers down.

The Gators, coming off a season in which they missed the playoffs, likely will use Robinson as the featured running back. The VHS offense struggled mightily on the ground last season, averaging fewer than 75 yards rushing a game as a team.

&#8220He’s the kind of player that whenever he gets his hands on the football, he is a danger to score,” VHS offensive coordinator Jackie Williamson said.

Robinson said State has hinted they want him to play wide receiver and work on punt and kickoff returns.

&#8220They said they need wide receivers that can just go up and get the ball,” Robinson said.

And that is what Stevens is hoping to see even more of this high school season. The Gators open the year against state power Clarksdale in the Red Carpet Bowl, then are scheduled to play at Warren Central the following week.

&#8220He’s had a great summer,” Williamson said. &#8220He’s made every workout, every camp and has done everything to get ready to be a college football player.”