By Rubin E. Grant
Robby Ashford is an emotional guy.
In his first season as Hoover’s starting quarterback, in 2018, Ashford admits he let his emotions get the best of him at times. When you’re the quarterback, that could be problematic because of the effect it has on your teammates.
“I wasn’t the leader I needed to be,” Ashford said matter-of-factly.
During the offseason, Hoover coach Josh Niblett expressed to Ashford that he shouldn’t get overly emotional, considering the position he plays.
“As a quarterback, you have to have a short memory,” Niblett said. “I played the position. If you’ve made a bad play, you have to get back in the huddle and let it go.
“We go as Robby goes. He’s highly competitive and he wants to win. We want him to have emotions, but he’s got to learn to control them.”
So, heading into his senior season this fall, Ashford has made his emotions a point of emphasis.
“My goal is being the best player and being the best teammate I can be,” Ashford said.
“I think I’ve grown and I’m doing a better job of keeping my emotions in check.”
Niblett has seen signs of progress, but he said, “Like anything in life, it’s a continuous process. He’s young and still maturing.”
Dual Threat
Ashford’s fiery competitiveness wasn’t the only thing on display last year. He demonstrated that he was a multi-dimensional, dual-threat quarterback. He completed 148 of 269 passes for 2,542 yards and 22 touchdowns with nine interceptions, and he rushed 100 times for 623 yards and seven more touchdowns as Hoover advanced to the Class 7A semifinals.
“He’s a superb athlete,” Niblett said. “The game has evolved. He fits the way the game has evolved.”
The 6-foot-4 Ashford, a 4-star recruit, is regarded as the No. 1 quarterback prospect in the state. He is one of 19 quarterbacks from around the nation named to the preseason watch list for the 2019 National High School Quarterback of the Year award presented by the National Quarterback Club.
The winners are scheduled to be announced Jan. 27 at an awards banquet in Scottsdale, Arizona. The club honors quarterbacks of the year from high school, college and professional football, and it has a Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Ashford also was one of 20 quarterbacks who participated in The Elite 11 quarterback competition in late June at the Dallas Cowboys’ practice facility in Frisco, Texas. The Elite 11 counts among its alumni Andrew Luck, Vince Young, Tim Tebow and Deshaun Watson.
“The competition was exciting, being among the 20 best quarterbacks in the nation,” Ashford said. “I didn’t come out on top like I wanted, but I learned a lot. I learned more about reading defenses and how to have better footwork.
“I also learned that football can’t be the most important thing in my life. I learned a lot about keeping things in perspective.”
Ole Miss Bound
Ashford has orally committed to Ole Miss, choosing the Rebels over Auburn, Florida, Florida State and Colorado. He will play both football and baseball for the Rebels.
“I felt Ole Miss was the best place for me,” Ashford said. “I knew that right after I stepped on campus. I’m happy with my decision.”
Niblett believes the Rebels landed an impact player.
“They’re getting a kid who’s a dynamic player,” Niblett said. “He’s worked extremely hard, working on all parts of his game. He’s done a good job of studying and trying to get better and putting our guys in better situations.”
Ashford is a highly regarded outfielder in baseball, which was instrumental in his decision to go to Ole Miss.
“A big factor is they’re going to let me play baseball and football,” he said.
Ashford hit .313 with two homers, 27 RBI and 28 stolen bases in 41 games for the Bucs last spring. He could be a high draft choice in the 2020 MLB draft.
“I have talked to some scouts about that, but it’s really just wait-and-see,” Ashford said. “I really believe if it’s not first round or second round, I’ll go to school. Even then, I’ll still weigh my options.”
