From NC State Basketball Forward to CFL Wide Receiver

He barely touched a football in high school. Now he’s making plays in the CFL. This is the story of Jevoni Robinson.

CFL Spotlight: Jevoni Robinson – From Jamaica, to the Hardwood, to Pro Football

Jevoni Robinson didn’t grow up in football pads. Born in Jamaica, he moved to the United States and built his athletic career on the basketball court. After high school, he earned a roster spot at NC State, where he played as a forward for the Wolfpack basketball team. He later transferred to Barry University, a Division II program in Florida that didn’t have a football team, where he finished out his college basketball career.

Despite only playing one year of high school football, Robinson found his way back on the field — but not through the usual route. After college, he was invited to regional NFL combines based on his athletic profile and frame: 6' 9”, long, explosive, and agile. Scouts saw potential, particularly at tight end — a position where height and physicality are heavily valued.

Robinson spent time with both the Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals, where he developed as a raw but intriguing prospect. He worked primarily as a tight end, focusing on route running, blocking technique, and learning the structure of professional football offenses.

Eventually, Robinson took his talents north to the Canadian Football League. He landed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, where he currently plays as a wide receiver — a notable shift from his original tight end projection in the NFL. In the CFL’s wide-open, fast-paced game, his length and basketball background give him a clear advantage in space.

Robinson continues to carve out his role in Montreal’s offense, contributing on special teams and situational receiving packages. His path — from ACC basketball to the CFL — is rare, but it's working. Even though he didn't play small school football, he's still a small school product.