Q&A With New Packers Wide Receiver Randall Cobb
At the NFL Combine Cobb told Cheesehead TV: "Anywhere I can get on the field and help the team out is where I want to play."
When I attended the NFL Combine back in February, I had the opportunity to attend the press conference for Packers second-round draft choice Randall Cobb, a wide receiver from Kentucky. Here's the transcript...
On the perception that he's not fast...
"I don't know. I guess from my game play. I thought I played fast. I guess I didn't look quite as fast as what I am. But I want to show how much training I've been putting into it."
On whether he's set to be a wide receiver at the pro level...
"I've had a few coaches ask me about RB. I'm willing to play anywhere. I've said that ever since I was in high school. I just love the game so much. Anywhere I can get on the field and help the team out is where I want to play."
On whether he can be used like the Vikings use Percy Harvin...
"I think I have the ability, having the understanding of passing schemes and pass protections schemes. I think that would help me out."
On his preference of position...
"Anywhere on the field. I love the game, anywhere."
On being a return specialist...
"I could help returning kicks or punts. Anywhere I can get on the field."
On how he got his start holding for kicks...
"It started in high school, my sophomore year. In college after Tim Masthay left after my freshman year, we needed a holder. Coach asked me to do it."
On summing up his college experience...
"I don't know . . . I had a great time."
On whether teams brought up his holding experience...
"Some teams have mentioned it, and if they didn't, I would. I'm willing to do anything to help a team and an organization out."
On whether he could be an emergency quarterback...
"If that's what I need to be, I'll do it."
On offers he had from colleges coming out of high school...
"I had three offers, from Kentucky, Tennessee and Middle Tennessee State. A lot of teams didn't think I'd be able to play on this level. I had a coach, before I got to college, say that I would never play Division I football. Growing up I've always had a determination to prove people wrong."
On who that was...
"Not my coach. It was a college coach when I was at his camp."
On former Wildcats he's talked to...
"Yes sir. I've already talked to Jeremy Jarmon, Trevard Lindley, Corey Peters, Jacob Tamme, Keenan Burton. I tried to talk as much as I can with those guys because they've been through the process, they know about it. They know what it takes to get to where I want to be, I just have to keep working and putting in the effort because it's all on me now."
On his experience playing as a slot receiver...
"That's where I feel most comfortable is the slot. I'm willing to play anywhere, inside, outside, Z, flanker X, whatever I can do. Having a background at quarterback gives me a little edge because I understand coverage schemes and can name sight adjustments."
On what makes him a good kick returner...
"My ability to make plays."
Comments (12)
April 29, 2011 at 10:50 pm
I am so pumped about this pick. Kick returns, WR, Wildcat QB, a Percy Harvin type player. This could be huge!! I cannot wait to see this man in green and gold.
April 29, 2011 at 11:01 pm
love this guy
April 29, 2011 at 11:53 pm
A few tidbits about #18 .....
"Extremely quick first step off the snap."
"Soft, natural hands are used to snatch the ball away from the body. Very few drops."
"Excellent, disciplined route running originates from being a former quarterback, knowing what happens when the route is not run correctly. Crisp, sharp cuts and turns."
"Dedicated to football. Puts in outstanding effort, leads by example and never takes a play off. Leader off the field, participating in a wide variety of community and charity causes."
Looks like we have a winner .....
April 30, 2011 at 12:14 am
Sounds like a packer to me. His home run capability will be a huge plus. Can't wait to see him in action.
April 30, 2011 at 12:47 am
"On the perception that he's not fast..."
From the GBPG: "One scout went so far as to say he’s as good as Percy Harvin, the Minnesota Vikings’ small playmaker who was the No. 22 pick overall in ’09. “He’s a true difference maker,” the scout said. “He’ll compete at a high level from Day 1 in the NFL. Yeah, I think he has that (Harvin) kind of ability, I really do. Some people are like, ‘He’s not as fast, you’re crazy.’ And maybe I am. But I really think – every time you turn on the tape, every game, the offense is running through this guy.” Ran the 40 in 4.46 seconds at the combine; Harvin ran 4.41 seconds."...
I know there's a difference between "quick' and "fast" BUT, this is about the "fast" perception... I can eat.05 tenths of a second for a guy with a cleaner background who doesn't have the medical issues. But that's just me.
GBP 4 LIFE
May 03, 2011 at 10:04 pm
Great post. I completely agree. I'm not saying he's a burner, but if you watch the tape, it's not like he's failing to leave guys in his wake.
April 30, 2011 at 05:52 am
I have watched MR. Cobb at UK for the last 3 years. Packer fans, you are going to love him. He is football smart, a tireless worker and has the biggest HEART and will to succeed of any college player I have seen -anywhere- in a very long time.
April 30, 2011 at 08:06 am
I preferred Jerrel Jernigan but after reading Cobb's answers and comments like yours I'm officially "on board" the bandwagon.
Just think, TT has 6 picks today to "wow" us even more!!!
April 30, 2011 at 08:43 am
As a long time UK fan let me tell you that you have no idea what we just drafted. This guy has kept the wildcats afloat in what's unarguably the toughest conference in college football since he showed up. This could be one of the names from this draft that you'll hear repeatedly this season. This kid not only has the potential but already is a better player than harvin and has been since his sophmore year not to meantion being smarter, a harder worker, and more durable than harvin. steal would have summed it up.
April 30, 2011 at 08:43 am
Haha, loved the Tim Masthay name drop.
April 30, 2011 at 10:50 am
Wow, compare this guys attitude of "I'll play anywhere on the field, I just want to play" and his likely couple mil contract, to $100 million Albert Haynesworth-I-only-want-to-play-in-my-preferred-scheme (plus I grope waitresses).
It sounds like in attitude and determination we have DD's replacement on the roster right now. I really think this kid is going to shine in this offense. Plus we got a back-up holder! Bet he can even long snap if we ask him to.
May 01, 2011 at 12:32 am
His answers pretty much just explained why Ted picked him.
So excited to have this kid on the team.