Robinson grateful for chance with Lehigh
April 3, 2020

Robinson grateful for chance with Lehigh

By Mon Valley Independent

By Jose Negron

jnegron@yourmvi.com

From November to January, things went from zero to 100 rather quickly for Devari Robinson. 

Fresh off a season in which he put up big numbers as McKeesport’s starting quarterback, Robinson watched as scholarship offers continued to roll in. By the end of his recruiting process, the senior had nine total offers. 

But one stood out among  the rest. 

Robinson will realize a dream of playing Division I football when he continues his academic and athletic careers at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa., this fall. 

He chose to play for the Mountain Hawks over offers from Army West Point, the Naval Academy, Lafayette College, West Virginia Wesleyan, Clarion, Fairmont State, West Virginia State and Mercyhurst. 

“It means a lot to be able to get a great opportunity to play at a school like Lehigh because where I’m from, not many people get to follow this path,” said Robinson, the son of Dennis Robinson of McKeesport and Misty Smith of Dravosburg. 

“Knowing that I’m getting such a great opportunity and I have the potential to make it something great, I’m confident that my outcome will be positive.”

Robinson has watched as many spring athletes have had their seasons come to a premature end due to the spread of COVID-19. 

Therefore, he’s not taking the opportunity that lies ahead for granted. 

“I’m extremely blessed to be in a situation where I don’t have to give up my dream and I can live it at least for another four more years. Even if that’s where it ends, I’m still blessed to have this opportunity in the first place,” Robinson said. “I recognize that many people don’t get this opportunity so I’m gonna take it, I’m gonna run with it and I’m gonna do the best I can.” 

To read the rest of this story, please see a copy of Saturday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at https://e.monvalleyindependent.com.

Puppy love for Santa in Charleroi
Latest News, Main
December 6, 2025
Bailee Jo Tiernan, 12, of Washington Township and her puppy Buddy visited Santa at Charleroi’s Light-Up Night on Friday. See more photos on A2 and in our online photo gallery at www.monvalleyindepende...
PUC decision puts request for water rate hike on hold
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
December 6, 2025
A formal investigation of Pennsylvania American’s request will be conducted, with a final ruling not expected until August. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Thursday put the brakes on a s...
U.S. Steel fined for leaking oil into Monongahela River
Latest News, Main
December 6, 2025
The $135,000 fine is part of an agreement with the Pennsylvania DEP. By JACK TROY TribLive U.S. Steel must pay $135,000 and establish stronger pollution controls after environmental regulators found t...
McKeesport Area school board changes leaders
Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
December 6, 2025
David Seropian was chosen as president for 2026, with Jason Pavlecic as vice president. The McKeesport Area school board changed its leadership and welcomed new members during Thursday’s meeting. The ...
Holly Day celebration in California
Latest News, Main
December 6, 2025
Stephen Shamay, 10, Olivia Rice, 8, Clayton Rice, 4, and Brielle Rice, 6, all of California Borough, pose for a photo with Santa during Friday’s Holly Day Celebration at Hollywood Pavilion in Californ...
Area just misses breaking coldest temperature record
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
December 6, 2025
The low was 13, which is one degree warmer than the mark set in 1976. By MEGAN SWIFT TribLive Western Pennsylvania was just one degree short Friday morning of breaking the record for the coldest tempe...