The corner's plight has been well documented. Robinson, a Pompano Beach, Fla. native, was suspended and ultimately dismissed from LSU's program for breaking team rules. Robinson decided to leave LSU all together and return home to Florida to begin training for the NFL. The 49ers drafted Robinson in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, and he has been on an upward trend ever since.

Robinson started six games as a rookie in 2016. His first career interception sealed a win against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 16. Fast-forward to preseason 2017 and Robinson is already slated as the team's No. 1 corner. That's a pretty remarkable climb for someone who spent a year in football purgatory prior to joining the 49ers.

"I've matured a lot," Robinson said. "I look at stuff for what it is, and I appreciate everything. I don't ever shy away from an opportunity. I just want to handle my business and give God the glory for everything. Without Him, I wouldn't be here."

Most know by now about Robinson's playing style. You could use a number of adjectives to describe the corner's on-field demeanor – brash, confident (borderline cocky), chippy and aggressive would all be apt. That persona has always been tied to Robinson's game. He'll never back down from a matchup. To do so would mean admitting inferiority, and that's not in Robinson's DNA. He's told reporters several times this summer that he wants to go toe-to-toe with the opponent's top receiver each week.

Robinson doesn't stop talking when he goes to the sideline either. He serves as the unofficial hype man for the second- and third-team defense during practice.

To tell Robinson to stop talking trash would be to tell Super Man not to fly. The corner's swagger is just as crucial as his 6-foot-1 frame, 32 1/4-inch arms and God-gifted athleticism. It's the "dog" in Robinson that sets him apart.

"He's made of the right stuff. His attitude and his mindset are unique for a corner," said defensive coordinator Robert Saleh back in May. "He does not want to get beat. Every rep is so important to him. He doesn't care who he's going against."

What's most impressive is how Robinson harnesses that mindset. If you observed just one 49ers practice, you'd notice No. 33 chirping at the receiver across from him on each play. It would be easy to assume Robinson is a belligerent young player, armed with a short fuse eager for a spark. Not so much.

Robinson knows that when he does get beat – as every cornerback inevitably does – receivers are going to be eager to talk back. That's where his short-term memory becomes vital. Even at 22-years old, Robinson has the ability to tip his cap to his opponent and move onto the next play.

"You've just got to know when to turn it on and turn it off," Robinson said. "When I'm chirping at receivers, we're competing more than anything. It's iron sharpening iron."

It helps that San Francisco's receivers always know what they're getting when facing Robinson.