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Deven Robertson, a standout defensive lineman at Oak Grove High School in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and a verbal commit to the University of Oklahoma, will showcase his talents on a national stage this December. The 6-foot-1, 330-pound senior has accepted an invitation to play in the 2026 U.S. Army Bowl, set to take place at The Star in Frisco, Texas, the headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys.
For Robertson, every game carries a deeper meaning: he plays for his older brother, Jaylen, who was injured in a car accident before Deven was born and lives with a disability. That purpose fuels his relentless drive on the field.
Knowing my brother is disabled and knowing he would have probably loved to get a chance to be out there on the football field motivates me to never give up even when times are hard, Robertson said.
That motivation has powered Robertson from a Class 7A state championship as a freshman to a spot on the Clarion Ledger's 2026 Dandy Dozen, which recognizes the top 12 players in Mississippi. Next, he will line up alongside some of the nation's best high school players in Frisco before heading to Norman.
Return to the All-American Stage
Robertson described his U.S. Army Bowl invitation as a blessing, noting that few players from his hometown receive such an opportunity. The game at The Star will mark his second national all-star event of the year. On Jan. 10, he announced his verbal commitment to Oklahoma during the Navy All-American Bowl broadcast. After that experience, he anticipates another memorable week in Frisco.
Robertson chose Oklahoma because he believes the Sooners can develop him for the next level. The program's family-first emphasis caught his attention, and defensive line coach Todd Bates' track record of developing players sealed the decision.
I know that Coach Bates is the best d-line coach in the country, Robertson said.
He is already preparing for the transition to Norman, planning to improve his diet, begin learning Oklahoma's playbook, and arrive ready to compete for an early role. Off the field, Robertson enjoys fishing, pickleball, video games, and working out to clear his mind. He intends to study communications at Oklahoma.
Older Brother Jaylen Provides the 'Why'
Robertson was not present for Jaylen's accident, which occurred before he was born. His understanding of it comes from growing up alongside his brother and witnessing the challenges Jaylen faces daily. He has also observed how Jaylen responds to those challenges.
He don't ever complain, Robertson said. Even when weather or other circumstances prevent Jaylen from doing something he wants, Robertson said his brother accepts it without complaint.
That example has taught the Robertson family to appreciate the little things. Robertson's parents have been another central influence, keeping him disciplined and humble while pushing him forward as his recruiting profile has grown.
Together, those influences have shaped what football means to him. He fell in love with the game at age 7, watching it at home and seeing how much it mattered to those around him. As he continued playing, he saw another possibility.
What made me keep playing was knowing that I could have a chance to change my life and my family's life, Robertson said.
Robertson Grows Into a Disruptive Force in the Trenches
Robertson describes his style as fast, aggressive, and twitchy, traits that have made him a constant problem for offenses facing Oak Grove's defensive front. He enjoys controlling a game from the interior of the line, where one powerful or well-timed move can blow up an entire play. He expects to play mainly nose tackle or three-technique at Oklahoma, though he believes he can contribute anywhere along the line.
His development has gone beyond strength and quickness. Robertson said his biggest improvement has come in reading offensive linemen, studying their body language, and recognizing where the ball is headed.
Robertson finished his junior season with 82 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, three sacks, and eight quarterback hurries, and he was named the Class 7A Region 3 Defensive Player of the Year. His recruitment began to pick up in ninth grade. The attention gave him confidence, but it also pushed him to take football more seriously.
Oak Grove Chases Another 7A Title After Opening Loss
Robertson's freshman season ended with Oak Grove defeating Starkville 33-28 for the 2023 Class 7A state championship. Receiving a championship ring as a freshman remains one of his favorite football memories. The next two seasons ended in the second round of the playoffs. Robertson said those losses were the biggest adversity he and his teammates had faced, and they fueled an offseason focused on avoiding the same result.
Oak Grove opened this season with a 17-15 loss to Starkville. The Warriors answered with four straight wins, the latest a 48-45 shootout against Houston, to improve to 4-1. Robertson said the opening loss brought the team together. With region games against Petal and Brandon among the matchups he has circled, the Warriors are focused on finishing the work they started in the offseason.
Robertson began his high school career with a state title. In the final stretch of his senior season, he has a chance to end it the same way. Frisco and Norman come next. His goals have grown, but the reason behind them has not changed. Every time Robertson takes the field, Jaylen is with him.
One thing I want to achieve for Jaylen is make it to the NFL, Robertson said.
Harley Kirsch is a football writer, entrepreneur, and former record-setting quarterback. He serves as Head of Media for the National Clearinghouse of College Recruiting, where he also writes the RunPass magazine and newsletter and hosts the RunPass podcast. He led Eastside Catholic High School to two Washington Class 3A state championships as the team's starting quarterback, passing for 10,925 yards and 114 touchdowns during his four-year varsity career. He served as team captain for three seasons and led his team to a 39-5 record over that time. He went on to Cornell University, where he studied Applied Economics and Management and played quarterback on the football team. He began contributing to High School On SI in 2026.