Junior wide receiver Randall Cobb’s voice was shaking as he announced at a Thursday news conference that he will forgo his senior season at Kentucky and enter the NFL draft this year.
As he was choking back tears, Cobb said goodbye to his teammates, coaches, and fans.
“As hard as it was, I had to make the best decision for me and I felt that it was my time for me to go and pursue my dream to play in the NFL,” Cobb said. “I’ve had this dream since I was a child. I can remember when I was 4 years old and I was laying in bed, that was the only thing I wanted.”
Cobb is projected as a third round draft pick, according to his evaluation by NFL personnel. Wide receivers coach Tee Martin, who played three years in the NFL, compared Cobb’s skill set to those of New England Patriots receiver Wes Welker and Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward. UK head coach Joker Phillips said Cobb’s work ethic will set him apart as a pro.
After returning home following UK’s bowl loss, Cobb discussed his options with his family. He then went to his church and prayed, which helped him reach his decision.
“The hardest thing I had to do was keep my emotions out of it,” Cobb said.
Cobb finishes his career as one of the most decorated players in UK football history. He set the single-season Southeastern Conference record for all-purpose yards this year with 2,396 yards, and closes his career with 42 combined touchdowns passing, rushing, receiving and returning. He’s also been one of the strongest leaders in the program since he arrived in 2008.
“He’s been an incredible ambassador in every way,” UK athletics director Mitch Barnhart said. “He’s a guy you want in your locker room, a guy you want walking across campus and the way he carried himself for three years has been truly remarkable.”
Phillips said the hardest part for Cobb was leaving his teammates.
“That’s what Randall Cobb is about,” Phillips said. “He’s more passionate about his teammates because he doesn’t want to let those guys down.”
Cobb is one of three UK underclassmen to enter his name into the NFL draft to be evaluated. The deadline for underclassmen to remove their name from the draft is Jan. 15, this Saturday. Neither junior linebacker Danny Trevathan or junior safety Winston Guy has announced their intentions about the draft. Phillips said Thursday that Trevathan, a native of Florida, has been unable to return to campus because of bad weather. He’s expected to speak to the coaches about his decision soon.
The Cats will also lose starting wide receiver Chris Matthews, a senior, this offseason. Returning will be junior wide receiver La’Rod King, who broke out this year with 478 yards and five touchdowns. Junior Gene McCaskill missed this season with a knee injury, but will be expected to push for a starting spot as well. Senior Matt Roark, known mostly for his special teams play, and sophomore Brian Adams, who also plays baseball, will also be expected to contribute.
Missing out on his final year of eligibility to head to the NFL doesn’t mean Cobb is leaving UK for good. He said he would likely make Kentucky his home once his playing career ends, and he’s still planning on returning to finish his degree. As he took time to address the fans, he choked up once again.
“I love you all,” he said. “Thank you for everything. I hope that in some way, shape or form, I was able to influence or inspire you. For all the kids out there, I hope that you keep your dreams and that you always, always keep pushing after them and don’t let anyone stop you.”