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UCLA QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson awaits NFL draft, future

April 26, 2023

Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson spent the past five years at UCLA proving he belongs on the biggest of stages, including the NFL.

The Bruins’ former quarterback will be in Las Vegas this week as he waits to hear his name called during the NFL draft and have one of his dreams come true.

“I’ve been thinking about it for a while now,” Thompson-Robinson said. “Now that it’s finally here, it’s super special to be able to spend time back home with my family. It’s going to be a big week and we are excited about it.”

UCLA coach Chip Kelly has been one of the biggest believers in Thompson-Robinson, a player he didn’t originally recruit, by giving him the opportunity to play as a true freshman and earn the starting role.

“He’s given everything for the last five years,” Kelly said. “He’s a special player and will go down in UCLA history as one of the tough and competitive guys that had the opportunity to put the uniform on.”

Thompson-Robinson is one of the most experienced quarterbacks eligible for the draft, having set UCLA career records for completions (860), passing yards (10,710), and touchdowns (88). He’s also the Bruins’ all-time leader in total offense with 12,536 yards and is the only player in program history to reach 12,000.

“Nothing fazed him and he stayed true to himself the whole time and never questioned himself,” said former UCLA offensive lineman Atonio Mafi. “I’ll always respect him for that. It takes a lot of guts to be a quarterback in L.A., especially the (early) years we had there.

“It was really rough but I truly think he left that position room a lot better than he found it.”

While Kelly had encouraged Thompson-Robinson to leave after the 2021 season, the quarterback took advantage of the extra year of eligibility that the NCAA granted all student-athletes because of the COVID-19 pandemic and led the Bruins to a 9-4 overall record and an appearance in the Sun Bowl.

He spent his final season building a professional mindset for himself, moving off campus and taking strides to learn some of the off-the-field aspects that come with being a future professional athlete.

Thompson-Robinson, who projects as an early Day 3 selection (fifth round) in the seven-round draft, also worked closely with former NFL quarterback Jordan Palmer and his stable of NFL prospects in Orange County, following the conclusion of his college career.

“Dorian is a guy, he’s intelligent and played a lot of football,” Palmer said on the Rich Eisen Show in February. “I think he’s one of the top 10 playmakers in this draft in terms of a dude with the ball in his hands and making something happen but he’s a pocket passer.”

Palmer’s stable of quarterbacks includes potential first-round picks Will Levis of Kentucky and Hendon Hooker of Tennessee.

“I am enough,” Thompson-Robinson said about what he’s learned about himself through the draft process. “Sometimes as athletes, we like to compare ourselves. … I got to compare myself firsthand to a lot of guys and know that I have enough skills and talent to make it and do what it takes at the next level.”

The “I am enough” mantra that the quarterback has reiterated throughout the process also applied when Thompson-Robinson was willing to go above and beyond to show teams what all he has to offer.

Thompson-Robinson has displayed his ability as a dual-threat quarterback during the 50 college games he played by running with the football and occasionally hurdling a defender to extend plays. He finished his college career rushing for 1,826 yards and 28 touchdowns on 471 carries.

He also spent time as a receiver in high school and was willing to display that ability in front of scouts but was declined the opportunity.

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“A lot went into the decision,” Thompson-Robinson said about wanting to showcase his abilities outside of what is expected of a quarterback. “Obviously, I wanted to create the most value for myself going into the league and give myself the best chance to get on to the field.

“That was kind of the thought process but it really speaks volumes to what I’ve put on tape and the things I’ve been able to accomplish at UCLA that teams don’t want to see me at any other position besides quarterback.”

Thompson-Robinson said he has met with the San Francisco 49ers, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Chargers among other teams in recent weeks.

“I think they are getting a guy that’s chasing consistency,” Thompson-Robinson said. “That’s the thing that will keep you around the longest. … They’re getting a hard worker and someone who will represent them well.”

Orange County Register

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UCLA QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson awaits NFL draft, future

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