Georgia’s Christian Robinson isn’t just waiting his turn.

The redshirt freshman linebacker is listed behind Rennie Curran on the depth chart-a death sentence in terms of playing time. Curran is the second leading tackler in the SEC, averaging almost 10 per game. He’s the defensive vocal leader and most productive player, so he’s not leaving the field often.

But not getting to play because of Curran may be Robinson’s biggest advantage.

He watches Curran on game day, learns from him in practice, picks up on the subtle intricacies that make Curran so good. He sees Curran in the weight room, pushing though extra reps, and in the film room watching the same play for what seems like the 100th time.

Curran is the complete package of physicality and preparation. Robinson is mimicking and getting better in the process.

“Basically the biggest thing I’ve taken from Rennie is the work ethic and study habits,” Robinson said. “Especially on the field, when Rennie came in as a freshman, everybody told me he was hustling everywhere and he was vocal and he showed he wanted to pay. When I got in and had a chance to play with the defense I just tried to hustle like he did.”

Robinson, figuring he wouldn’t play much this season, wanted to learn from Curran. In turn, Curran was eager to teach, to show Robinson how a Georgia linebacker should prepare and perform.

“All you got to do is try to match Rennie,” said linebacker Nick Williams.

“If you try to match Rennie you’ll look good, because he’s going to give it 110 percent every play. I don’t care if it’s at practice, a walkthrough or a game – he’s going to give you all he’s got. All you’ve got to do is watch him and you’ll be alright. If you match his intensity you’ll be good.”

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Watching Curran has paid off. In last weekend’s win over Tennessee Tech, Robinson played 43 snaps and recorded a team-high five tackles. Curran was on the sideline for most of the game because of the score.

But Robinson has slowly been working to this point-forcing his name into the discussion for a contributing role.

In 2008, while taking a redshirt, Robinson hustled, worked and learned. He carried himself with a fire for the game, though raw, playing with a rare, pure love of football. Teammates noticed his passion, and were impressed.

“He’s a kid that came in with his head on the right shoulders,” Curran said.

“I didn’t even have to do much to put him under my wing. He was so eager to learn and I tried to do my best to give him the best advice I could from my standpoint. To me I love seeing guys like that who appreciate the opportunity they have and look to the older guys and try to do the right thing. That makes me even happier to put him under my wing, to do anything I can to help him out.”

Robinson entered the preseason in August facing a stacked group of linebackers. Playing time didn’t seem likely, not with Curran, Akeem Dent and Darryl Gamble solidified as starters. Robinson fell somewhere in the mix with six other linebackers fighting for time, a daunting task for someone trying to prove their worth.

“My goal was to work my butt off,” Robinson said. “We have such talented players here at linebacker. That’s what Georgia is known for. You just constantly have to remind yourself your time will come, whether it’s now or later, you’ve got to be ready.”

And so, Robinson went to work, preparing for his time. Waiting patiently, Robinson went in for a play here and there in the first couple games, but wasn’t seeing significant run. And then the injury bug hit the unit. Dent and Darius Dewberry struggled with hamstring issues. Marcus Dowtin broke his finger. Suddenly Robinson was on the verge of receiving a larger role.

“Heading for the Tennessee week, Marcus got hurt,” Robinson said. “He was the No. 2 on the depth chart and [linebackers] coach [John] Jancek came in and told me I had to be ready. He said, ‘Don’t wet your pants when you get out there.’”

Robinson got in the game and held his own. He played an entire series in the third quarter, finishing with three tackles, one for a loss.

“I stepped in and I’ll never forget my first play, going out and Marcus Washington looks at me and says, ‘Christian, what are you doing out here?’ I just tried to remind myself that Rennie and the coaches prepared me and I might not be the strongest but I can compete,” Robinson said.

Robinson’s play against Tennessee impressed coach Mark Richt, who said he wanted to find more time for the Norcross native. Routinely replacing Curran for one series a game, after playing such a role last week, Robinson says he’s ready for more.

“It was wearing me down a little bit, but just the excitement of being out there kept me going,” he said. “If they need more time in the Auburn or Kentucky game or against Georgia Tech, the adrenaline and excitement pushes you and gives you the strength. If I can get in there I’ll give it my all. If I can’t, I know somebody will be in there doing the same. If they need me I’m ready.”

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Robinson knows he’s not Curran.

Rennie is stronger, more compact, weighs more and has leadership abilities rarely found.

But Robinson has his advantages too. He’s at least five inches taller, has good speed and he has a family football legacy. His father, Kenneth, played football at South Carolina and for the Washington Redskins in the NFL.

Trying to live up to Curran’s standard could derail the mind of an up-and-coming player. Robinson isn’t letting comparisons stand in the way.

“It is nervous because you see [Curran] out there making plays and he’s a great player,” he said. “You want to be like him, and make plays. People know who he is and he’s a great player and you have to be reminded that you’re not him. You’re a different style and when you have a chance to make a play you can make it your own way. If you can make the play and do what you’re taught, you’ve achieved what the coaches want for you.”

When the conversation turns to Robinson’s progression, Curran is quick to shed the limelight. Yeah he been there to help when needed, Curran says, but ultimately it’s Robinson who deserves the attention.

“Oh yea, I don’t take any of the credit at all,” Curran said. “He put the work in and earned the coaches’ trust. It does feel good, because I was always the young guy asking older guys for advice and trying to work hard and it makes you feel old kind of, like a big brother, when you hear somebody else saying I helped them.”

Long-term has always been Robinson’s point-of-view. He understands Curran could turn pro after this year, or an injury could thrust him in for somebody else. This season has shown Robinson can handle spot playing time. Next year, he could take his role to a prominent level.

“Christian is on his way,” Williams said. “He’s tough, smart, physical. Just like a young player, he makes mistakes. But he’s well on his way to be a Rennie-type player. Well on his way.”