SEATTLE -- Two-sport Washington standout Nate Robinson is down to one sport: basketball.

The Huskies opened spring football practice Thursday, and the promising defensive back wasn't there. Coach Rick Neuheisel said Robinson has decided to focus on his prospects as a point guard for the Washington basketball team.

''We wish him well,'' Neuheisel said. ''Football is not a game where you can be halfway in. It's a game that requires absolute commitment.''

The two met several times earlier this week to discuss Robinson's future. Neuheisel made it clear he wouldn't allow Robinson to miss spring practice and still participate in the fall.

''I've got to go along with the idea this is permanent,'' Neuheisel said.

Robinson wasn't immediately reachable by phone for comment Thursday.

The 5-foot-9 Robinson started six games at cornerback as a freshman last season, highlighted by a spectacular interception over 6-foot-6 receiver Mike Bush to swing the momentum as the Huskies stunned then-No. 3 Washington State 29-26 in triple overtime in the Apple Cup.

Two days after making a season-high eight tackles in Washington's defeat against Purdue at the Sun Bowl, Robinson showed his versatility by scoring eight points in 23 minutes during a 77-67 basketball setback against UCLA.

On the basketball court, Robinson's scoring average of 13 points a game led the Huskies and he was named to the Pacific-10 Conference's all-freshman team.

He is the son of former Washington running back Jacque Robinson, the most valuable player of the 1982 Rose Bowl and 1985 Orange Bowl.