USC Cornerback Nickell Robey Intercepts Poverty in Haiti

Sixteen members of the 2012 University of Southern California Trojan football team, as well as several other USC students and Hope Force staff members, recently returned from a Haiti deployment focused on the "Houses of Hope" project. The team built four homes, participated in a gift distribution for children in the Child Sponsorship Program, delivered supplies to local schools and orphanages, and brought the ministry of presence to a nation still recovering from 2010's devastating earthquake.

Cornerback Nickell Robey was among the players who represented the Trojans on the recent Hope Force deployment to Haiti. "We went into one lady's house, and it was unbelievable. She had seven kids and new baby twins. I held one of the babies, and it touched my heart. I wondered how these people provide for their kids. They are so resilient, and they keep smiling despite all they've been through."

Robey also commented that "It was so touching when the kids would run up to me and remember my name. I was talking to one kid, and he said that love came through his heart when he saw us. He asked if I believe in the Lord, and I said yes. Then he told me that one way they get through the troubles is to sing. He told me music helps them feel like they are one community."

Robey is from Frostproof, Florida and enrolled at USC in 2010. His high school accomplishments included Super Prep All-Dixie, All-State 2B first team and All-County first team. As a USC freshman, Robey started all season as the Trojan's cornerback. He was named to the CollegeFootballNews.com Freshman All-American honorable mention, All-Pac-10 honorable mention and Phil Steel All-Pac 10 fourth team.

Robey returned as cornerback his sophomore year, making 63 tackles and a team-high nine deflections. He made first team for All-Pac-12, ESPN.com, CBSSports.com, CollegeFootballNews.com and Phil Steel All-Pac-12, as well as winning the John McKay Award at USC for the underclassman with the most competitive spirit. Robey has a career total of 111 tackles, six interceptions, 13 deflections and 24 starts. He also competes in long jump on the USC track team. In fall 2012, Robey will continue as cornerback for the Trojans.

The Trojans are an NCAA Division 1 football team boasting 11 national championships and six Heisman trophy winners since the program was established. In 2009 ESPN solidified the team's reputation as a college football powerhouse by rating the USC football program second best in all of NCAA history. Ranked number one for the 2012 season by ESPN, this year's team is expected to live up to the Trojan standard of excellence.