When — not if — Randall Cobb is fitted with his first NFL jersey, the three NFL scouts in attendance Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium may not be surprised.
Scouts from the other 29 teams in the league have some catching up to do.
But what position will he play?
Doesn’t matter. In two years, finding 256 better football players to draft above him will be pretty tough.
Generously listed at 5-foot-11 and 188 pounds, Cobb’s size may be tough for some to overlook. After all, he’ll be an undersized … well, whatever position he plays.
Cobb can make explosive plays on the ground. He can make high-octane plays in the air, on the throwing or receiving end of it. And he proved Saturday he can make dynamite plays in the return game.
His 73-yard punt return touchdown was his first return touchdown ever, he said — high school, college or otherwise. And to top it off, just to add that extra bit of, “Did that just happen?†Cobb was interfered with while fielding the punt.
The Cats surely would have accepted the five-yard penalty if Cobb muffed the punt or didn’t get a quality return.
No need, though.
“I’m sure it’s happened before, I’m sure I’m not the first person that’s done that,†Cobb said of the feat.
Cobb’s play from scrimmage was dangerous, too. Among the highlights: a 28-yard run, the 11-yard touchdown run that immediately followed and a 37-yard pass to Chris Matthews that ultimately was the game’s longest pass play.
He also caught four passes for 27 yards.
Is there anything Cobb does that surprises you?
“No. No, there isn’t,†said UK head coach of the offense Joker Phillips. “I told you he has ‘it.’ I don’t know what ‘it’ is, but he has it. I’m glad we have him.â€
Most college players go into the NFL because of their distinct specialist identity. Terms tossed around include “power running back,†“possession wide receiver,†and other monikers like that.
Some players, like Cobb, land in the NFL because they’re just excellent football players, wherever you put them on the field.
Cobb may not be a first-round pick, because a team may not realize it needs his overall playmaking ability as opposed to a player to fill a very specific role.
Once he’s in training camp, though, I have a hard time believing a coach would evaluate his talent and cut him.
Need a slot receiver? Cobb’s taller and (allegedly) heavier than the New England Patriots’ Wes Welker.
How about a return specialist or a backup quarterback?
Looking for a long snapper? What about a gunner? Heck, I bet an average NFL special teams coach could turn Cobb into an All-Pro punter.
“I haven’t found anything he can’t do or figure out how to do,†Phillips said. “He might not be able to do it at first but you give him a couple of reps at it, he’s going to figure it out.â€
After his touchdown return, he didn’t have much time to celebrate before having to hold the extra-point attempt.
He’s UK’s first-string holder.
Holding the point after, after such an electric play?
“It’s just part of my job description,†Cobb said.
A reporter asked: “What is your job description?â€
“Play football,†Cobb said. He and the media huddle surrounding him laughed.
Those NFL teams may be laughing about Cobb now, but those three scouts weren’t.
James Pennington is a journalism senior. E-mail jpennington@kykernel.com.
GOOD GRIEF! GUSH MUCH?
I have it on good authority that later this morning he’ll be turning water to wine and feeding the masses.
He’s a terrific football player but lets keep it real.
It’s a good thing this kid has his head on straight. If not, you people would have his head so bloated he wouldn’t be able to get his helmet on.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
Who at the University of Kentucky would not want to see Randall Cobb performing for an NFL team?
Randall Cobb may not have just one set position but he is versatile player who has a great chance of finding a spot on an NFL team in the future. He could be following in the footsteps of players such as Wes Welker and Antwaan Randle El.
Cobb could definitely find a spot on an NFL team as a slot receiver, holder or kick returner, maybe even all of them.
First of all, Randall Cobb could be a great slot receiver. He is quick and will definitely be able to get open against NFL corner backs. He would also be a solid holder since he is the number one holder for the Wildcats. He also proved that he can be a great kick returner Saturday night.
Although I believe that Cobb could fulfill many positions in the NFL, I disagree that he could serve as a back up quarterback. He is small which will affect his chances of making an NFL team but it completely diminishes his chances as being a quarterback. Since he is so versatile I do think that he could still be successful at taking snaps in a wildcat formation. Even though he might not be able to perform as a quarterback in the NFL, there is no doubt that Randall Cobb could have great success with an NFL team in the future.
There is a great chance Wildcat fans will be cheering for Cobb on Sundays in a few years.