Joining new program a big day for ‘Big A’

‘Big A’ will get his big chance.
Anthony Roberson — affectionately known as ‘Big A’ due to his 6-3, 350-plus-pound size — got the opportunity to play football at the next level when he signed scholarship papers to attend Missouri Baptist University over the weekend.
Roberson, who will graduate from Obion County Central High School Friday night, was a three-year starter on the offensive line for the Rebels.
His raw strength and huge projected upside made him a target of several small colleges and universities, according to those close to his recruiting process.
Roberson chose MBU from that lot and will grow as a college player with a program that won’t play its first game until 2014.
The university — located in St. Louis — announced in March it would field a NAIA team. The school hired Jason Burianek to build the program from the ground up, Burianek coming to MBU from a position of defensive backs coach and special teams coordinator at McKendree University.
The Spartans are reportedly planning to scrimmage with a recruitment of around 30 student-athletes this fall before fielding their first official team in 2014 when over 100 players are expected to be with the program.
Roberson said he believed MBU was the perfect place for him.
“MBU had everything I was looking for. It was a small Christian university, it was close to home, and under the guidance of the new head coach they are building an awesome football team,” Roberson said. “Although I received multiple offers, I feel this is the offer God was waiting on for me.”
Burianek had similar thoughts.
“He is a raw player with a tremendous upside,” the coach insisted. “He brings great size and strength to our line.  
“I’m excited to have Anthony aboard our team.”

Published in The Messenger 5.29.13