Nickell Robey decided to leave behind his friends and family when he signed a letter of intent with a school over 2,500 miles away from home.

“I’ll be so far away from home,” Robey told WeAreSC.  “I’ve got to let my mom see me on TV a lot.”

But many speculated whether Robey would change his mind after the tragic death of his mother after a massive heart attack in February.

However, the 18-year-old freshman from Frostproof, Fla. has quickly found a new home playing cornerback for USC.

The 5-foot-8, 185-pound defensive back earned the starting cornerback spot opposite senior Shareece Wright in fall camp and hasn't looked back. Through the Trojans first seven games, Robey is tied for the team lead in pass deflections with T.J. McDonald. He also trails McDonald by one interception after swiping a pair at Washington State, including one he returned 25 yards for a touchdown.

Robey is second on the team in pass breakups and has 25 tackles on the season. The speedster is also a backup kick returner and can be dangerous if he gets the ball in his hands.

We caught up with Robey and asked him about how he is transitioning to the Southern California culture, especially without comfort foods from the South. Robey also talks about what players he has modeled his game after (both now and when he was growing up).

To reach Shotgun Spratling, click here, or follow him on Twitter @BlueWorkhorse.

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