One of two undrafted free agents the Raiders signed from tryouts who comes from a deep football family - The other being Ryan Robinson. The name Robiskie is far more unique than Robinson, however. Anyone who knows football recognizes the name as that of former NFL running back and current wide receivers coach for the Falcons, Terry Robiskie - Andrew's father.
Terry Robiskie was originally drafted by the Raiders in the 8th round of the 1977 NFL draft and spent the first three of his five NFL seasons in Silver & Black. He would also start his coaching career with the Raiders in 1982 as assistant running backs coach. All told, he spent 11 seasons on the Raiders' coaching staff, including that of offensive coordinator for five seasons from 1989-1993.
Andrew hopes to follow in his father's footsteps and become the third member of his family and second Robiskie son to play in the NFL. His brother Brian currently plays receiver for the Lions.
His father and brother both played at bigtime college programs LSU and Ohio State respectively. But Andrew was not as highly recruited and instead for Western Illinois in the Missouri Valley Conference. His younger brother Kyle is also on the WIU football team.
Having all these football players in the family can get interesting.
"It's tricky, especially at the dinner table; a lot of competition," Andrew said in an interview with WIU athletics. "It has its advantages and disadvantages. I wish my dad could make it out to more games but obviously it's a lifestyle."
If his dad ever found the time to come watch his son play, he had plenty of opportunities. The 6-1, 297 pound center started the final 25 games of his career for the Leathernecks. He played at at guard through much of his first three seasons with some stints at center before moving to center full time as a senior. His play last season earned him an invitation to play in the East West Shrine game.
In High School, he set a school record with 35 straight starts. Along with being a three-time First Team All-Ohio and All-Northeast Ohio selection, he also received All-Region and All-Section honors in wrestling and twice named First Team All-Conference at 275 pounds. I can't preach enough the value of wrestling to a lineman. The skills learned in wrestling translate perfectly to line play in football.
The Raiders had signed center Deveric Gallington as a priority undrafted free agent but cut him in favor of Robiskie. Gallington was supposed to be one of the better UDFA signings by the Raiders which should tell you how impressed the team was in Robiskie during his tryout in rookie minicamps.
He is currently the only other offensive lineman listed as a center besides starter, Stefen Wisniewski. However, Alex Parsons enters as the primary backup center and undrafted rookie Lamar Mady could also take snaps at center despite being listed as a guard.
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