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"The" Citadel in South Carolina is a military college where academics and intellectual thinking is probably preached more than athletic prowess.
But that hasn't stopped the sporty guys from attending the Bulldog's university. And evidently, the Arizona front office has been taking notice. No less than four players from the small FCS Southern Conference school have been drafted/signed on roster by the Cardinals: new RB coach and longtime Card Stump Mitchell, FB Nehemiah Broughton, K Greg Davis and current WR Andre Roberts.
Roberts was taken by Arizona in the third round, the 88th pick overall in 2010 with big-play ability and football smarts promised.
Have things changed four seasons later?
What We Knew Then
A smallish, quick, dare we say jitterbug type player (I didn't say a Dave Meggett) - Sports Illustrated had him tagged as fluid with bonuses tied in because of possible kick returning duties.
NFLDraft101 thought he was fearless over the middle, natural receiver instincts and liked his NFL combine results.
CBSSports harking his playing at a military school left him more prepared to be mature and a leader, liked his elusiveness after the catch and willingness to be a blocker.
Almost all reports that I read however, were worried about the small school competition level and being slightly undersized getting off from the line of scrimmage with supposed lack of strength.
What We Know Now
In 2010, as appropriate within then-coach Ken Whisenhunt's don't- speak-unless-spoken-to philosophy, played little during his rookie term, starting 2 games and garnering 24 catches for 307 with 2 touchdowns being mostly used as a punt returner.
The following season was more of a justification with all 16 games started and going 51 for 586 with a pair of TDs again. This was also the year that he was used more as an end around with 3 carries.
2012 brought better numbers- some that even surpassed Mr. Fitz in categories - with a tagline of 15 games, 64 receptions for 759 yards and included 4 rushes for 39.
New head coach Bruce Arians has already stated that Patrick Peterson WILL be returning punts this season and Micheal Floyd has been pretty much anointed as the "breakthrough" player on the team next season. Along with the perception that Fitz will have a better stats than the putrid smell of last season, where does that leave Robert?
Will he be a third receiver along the lines of Steve Breaston, coupled with Fitz and Anquan Boldin? An afterthought with the team offense pointed to the the TEs also? Or could he be a surprise player that could leave the team in receiving?