Graphic Credit: Logan French
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The nation's top high school track and field recruit, Hazelwood West (MO) High School senior Justin Robinson, finally revealed his future home on Wednesday, committing to Arizona State University on National Signing Day.
This is an incredibly massive get for a program which, in recent years, has been signing increasingly gifted athletes, including DeSoto (TX) graduate Jalen Drayden in 2019 and Dock Mennonite graduate Austin Kratz in 2018.
But this undoubtedly represents the first key recruiting win for head coach Dion Miller, who was brought to Arizona State in June of 2019 after time leading sprints at the University of Alabama.
With the addition of Robinson, the No. 1 athlete in MileSplit's Class of 2020 rankings, the Sun Devils become a legitimate threat within the Pac-12 conference and potentially nationally at the NCAA Championships.
Robinson's efforts last year, with a PR of 44.84 in the 400m and supplementary efforts of 45.04, 45.59 and 45.96, would consistency place him among the NCAA ranks' most gifted quarter-milers.
Last season, he became the second fastest high school 400m runner of all-time, with his 44.84 performance at the Great Southwest Classic. Following that historic effort, the senior went on to win the Pan American U20 title in the event, while also anchoring Team USA to a gold medal and a new world record of 2:59.30 in the 4x400m relay.
He was also selected to Team USA to compete in the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, amongst professional athletes. Robinson placed third in the international competition with his sixth sub-46 performance that season.
The senior isn't just a 400m specialist, but an all-around sprint talent. He holds additional personal bests of 20.98 in the 200m, and 10.32 in the 100m.
The Sun Devils are walking away with arguably the biggest win of National Signing Day. The three time MHSAA state champion is the catalyst ASU needs to disrupt the current structure of the Pac-12.
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