David Cobb is hoping that his 1,545 rushing yards as a senior with the Gophers — which set a single-season program record — will be a launching pad to the next level, the NFL. He can take a big step toward that goal this week, when he takes part in the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. CBSsports.com projects Cobb as a third-round pick, though running backs have been taken later and later in the draft in recent years. Cobb and linebacker Damien Wilson are in California training together for the combine, and Cobb chatted recently by phone with the Star Tribune's Michael Rand.
Q What part of the NFL scouting combine are you most looking forward to?
A Just going out there and showing what I can do and leaving it all out there. It's a chance to just do what I've been doing my whole life, and I'm excited to get out and see a bunch of the guys.
Q Aside from the physical training, the combine has always struck me as a mental grind. Are you prepared for that part of it?
A I've been getting ready for that and talking to some former teammates about what it's like. It's a four-day process, and you only work out one day. You have to be doing something else the other three days. The biggest thing for me is that I'd rather be there than anywhere else. I'll be happy no matter what we're doing.
Q Is it too early for you to have started talking with NFL teams about who might be interested in drafting you?
A I don't want to say too many names, but I've heard from maybe four or five teams. All you can do is put your best foot forward.
Q It's an interesting time to be a running back going into the pros. You had a great Gophers career, but the NFL model has less of a reliance on star running backs now. How do you think that will impact you and other running back prospects?
A There are some great backs, and it just raises the competition among all of us. It's one of those things where maybe there's a guy who's a little faster than you, but it's all about who performs the best. We'll all be blessed to get whatever playing time there is.
Q At what point in your life did you develop the dream to play in the NFL?
A Growing up, really. I had a football family. My dad, granddad, cousins, uncles, football has been in my family since before I was born. I was always a big fan of Eddie George, and I always wanted to play football. It was never about the money or fame, just seeing my family enjoy it. It's a sport that kept my family together in so many ways. I just always wanted to live the dream and run out the tunnel on Sundays.
Q You had some poignant messages on social media a couple of months ago as your career was winding down and you were packing up your room. What was that whole process like?
A It was real, man. You think about it, and it's time to leave your room and you don't know where you're going to go. All the walls are empty and there were boxes everywhere. It was just a chance to sit back and think about how good Minnesota has been to me and how fortunate I was to have come to Minnesota and meet so many good people.
