Darwin Robinson - Inducted 2021

Darwin Robinson is considered one of the greatest football players in Dakota State University history. He was an All-America choice and team captain in football and track & field.

With Robinson in the lineup, the Trojans posted a 25-14 record. In 1971, he helped DSU win the Boot Hill Bowl at Dodge City, Kansas, the first win by a South Dakota college team in post-season play. He helped propel the Trojans to their first South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference title in 1973.

In 1974, Robinson became the first player in DSU history to rush for more than 1,000 yards. He not only provided an offensive spark for the Trojans, but when needed joined special teams and the defensive unit.

He did not see regular season action but spent three years with two National Football League teams before injuries ended his career. In 1974 he was an eighth-round draft pick by the Washington Redskins.

In 1972, Robinson placed fourth in the decathlon at the NAIA championships. Placing third that year was 1976 Olympic gold medal decathlon champion Bruce Jenner.

A native of Frankfort, S.D., Robinson was an all-state basketball and football player at Redfield High School.

Robinson is a two-time DSU College-wide Male Athlete of the Year. His hall of fame memberships includes the South Dakota Interscholastic Conference (SDIC), Dakota State University and the South Dakota Amateur Basketball Association.