During Friday night lights, wide receiver Sam Robb doesn´t talk; his ability does all the talking.
No matter if it’s a clutch moment or another touchdown, Robb can always be counted on by teammates. Now a senior, Robb has become the heart of the De Pere offense.
He’s turned heads across the state and a few colleges as well. Robb has 48 receptions and 11 touchdowns and is averaging 14 yards a catch and has a total of 674 yards in the 2025 football season.
But it was never this smooth for Robb. Towards the end of his freshman year, he broke his leg.
“I got hip-dropped tackled and got hit in my lower leg, which was a big setback for me,” Robb said. “Lots of therapy. I had to do a 6-8 month recovery. I missed a bit of basketball as well.”
Robb had to trade cleats for crutches and morning lifts for rehab. The injury forced him to rebuild his strength and confidence. Robb has been fearless since coming back from injury.
“You know he’s been fearless, and I know he’s a multi-sport athlete, participating in basketball and football,” Redbirds coach Ben Strickland said. “I was able to see special things from him as a young kid, and he’s been driven to play at the next level. That’s also driven him to maximize his time here.”
Since coming back, Robb hasn’t waited a second to make a mark for De Pere’s offense. He’s become known for his route-running, good hands, and leadership in the locker room.
In one of his top games this season, Robb caught 5 passes for 114 yards and 3 touchdowns against Green Bay Preble.
Robb has been able to maximize his time at De Pere even without most of his freshman year. Since then, Robb has been able to get colleges’ attention.
“Just a couple of D3s right now and a couple of smaller schools,” Robb says.
Said Strickland: “I think his consistency is remarkable; he always improves, and can catch the high ball and deep ball. That’s how he works every day, and it’s hard to defend someone that consistent.”
That drive and determination show every Friday night, no matter where and who is facing off against De Pere.
De Pere (5-4) plays Neenah on Friday night in the first round of the WIAA Division 1 Football Playoffs.
