Some players come along that are so athletically gifted it almost forces the head coach to play them in multiple positions.

Anthony Robinson is that type of player for Natchez head coach Melvin Pete.

“We try to put the ball in his hands,” said Pete, acknowledging the skills of his wide receiver. “He actually runs a better option offense for us.”

So far this season, Robinson has made an impact throwing, catching and rushing the football. Robinson, who played quarterback for the Bulldogs last season, takes reps at quarterback when he runs Pete’s option offense, an offense that Robinson ran from the shotgun in former head coach Lance Reed’s system a year ago.

“Coach Pete really runs the same system, but the only thing he did was tweak it and add his own flavor to it,” Robinson said. “Running the option under center was difficult at first, but Coach Pete showed us how to do it, and we caught on fast.”

Robinson has roughly 200 yards receiving, more than 80 yards passing and four total touchdowns with the Bulldogs. But though Robinson has his moments of flash — gaining 65 yards on a busted play against Ferriday — he admittedly struggles to operate within the confines of what Pete is asking at times.

“Sometimes I try to overdo things instead of going with the flow, but coach knows what I can do,” Robinson said.

Pete acknowledged he’s been trying to get his quarterbacks to understand when to run and when to pass on certain plays.

“The type of offense I’m surrounding him with is an offense that can allow him to make plays,” Pete said. “Sometimes he struggles to understand what the play is going to be, but he actually makes things happen anyway. I have no problem with that, but again, everyone needs to understand their role and responsibility.”

Although Robinson has a particular role within a play, he also has an overall role in the scheme of things — playmaker.

The reason Pete has called upon Robinson to be one is not only because of his athleticism, but because of the maturity he exhibits. Pete said he’s watched Robinson mature and become a team leader both on and off the field, leading to Pete giving Robinson more responsibilities with the team.

Robinson gladly accepts his role, embracing his “magic man” role.

“It’s real motivating to have the backing of your coach,” Robinson said. “Again, I like to make things happen.”