It is a question that none of us wanted to face, even though we knew we would eventually have to. Three years ago we managed to pick up a recruit that, while not blowing up the recruiting boards, was known as a very talented player with a big upside. We could only keep the lid on a player like that for so long, and keep him off the field for even less. Nine touchdowns in a freshman season was pretty impressive considering nobody knew what position he was going to play. The rest? Well, you know the rest. If this is the first article you are reading on this site, first of all shame on you; second, the rest is that Randall Cobb flat blew up, enough to earn UK’s first AP first team All-American since Derek Abney in 2002. Unfortunately all that blowing up made everyone in the country notice, and the media machine created the monster know as Randall Cobb’s draft stock. Draft stock, if you are not familiar, is the mythical and unmeasurable currency that many collegiate players use to determine whether they should declare for the NFL draft, but it is not always consistent (see also; Jimmy Clausen, Brady Quinn) and could lead a young man to get burned for millions of dollars. So what factors should/probably is Randall Cobb looking at?
1. Draft Hype– Mel Kiper (who I am positive they freeze for 9 months prior to the draft. Just like Dick Clark and New Year’s) loves him. Todd McShay loves him. With two of ESPN’s biggest draft personalities raving about you, the level of notoriety will inevitably grow. Don’t be so naive to think that agents and coaches don’t watch Sportscenter, so they know his name. His numbers alone show that he’s earned the fame, ranking 2nd nationally in total yards per game (182.7) and the SEC leader in receptions (79), but his moves are what dazzled the scouts. It’s hard to find someone outside of the QB position that people talk about more.
2. Potential Negative Effects of Coming Back– As mentioned earlier, it’s hard to find a person who is getting better praise than Cobb, who has been labeled as a “do everything” guy and is fawned over for his intangibles. His stock is so high that people are quick to dismiss the median 40 yd dash time (4.46) and his general lack of size in exchange for everything else he can bring. While both deserving and true, I personally hoped that was the one part people missed; he brings the game-changer vibe to the field and it effects everyone. Cobb has undoubtedly talked to Derrick Locke about his now-regrettable decision to come back, and was on the team the year Trevard Lindley saw his stock fall during his senior season; he is aware of the potential risks.
3. Accomplishments– Having already achieved the rank of man-god and assuring his spot among the stars when he chooses to join his fellow gods, what more does he have to do? Broken records for touchdowns, yardage, and eye beauty all lay at his feet, there aren’t too many things Randall Cobb as to say before he is crowned the best football player UK ever had. He put the team on his shoulders at times and carried us through dark moments, and he will forever be a fan favorite. So what if he didn’t beat Tennessee, if it didn’t happen through some of the darkest times that program has ever seen (i.e. this year and last) it’s not going to happen in some dramatic Disney moment. Reality is that streak will end randomly and with a whimper, and Randall Cobb will not be the only one that changes that.
I know I said earlier in the year that I would not validate the leaving talk, but once you look at the facts, it’s hard to tell Randall to stay. But affairs of the heart rarely listen to logic, and Randall has openly admitted that is heart is in Lexington and this is the toughest decision he has made yet. Which way will he go? Who knows, but his powers of levitation are already known, and with talent and eyes like that, it’s hard to keep anyone hidden.
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