Cedric Cobbs

Strengths: Cedric Cobbs’ coach, Houston Nutt, who previously coached Thurman Thomas and Barry Sanders at Oklahoma State, thinks Cobbs has the talent to best both of those terrific backs. Nutt’s assistant, Joe Fergueson, who handed off to OJ Simpson during his pro career, sees many similarities between Cobbs and The Juice. "Like (Simpson), Cobbs changes direction, glides, balances and accelerates with a burst that leaves a vapor trail." Still others have compared him favorably to Bo Jackson.

Cobbs is very fast, but also very strong. He’s nearing legend status in the Hogs’ weight room and has an old-school stiff arm that ESPN The Magazine claims can "stop traffic." They also tabbed Cobbs, back in 1999, college football’s next big star. Then came the injuries…

Areas of concern: Unfortunately, after a promising freshman year, Cobbs was hurt much of last year (shoulder surgery in week 4 ended his season) — a development that may have stalled his growth (he’s still very, very raw). Thus, Cobbs may need an extra year of seasoning.

Is he sponge-worthy?: Could be. At this point, Cobbs is still just potential, and has quite a bit left to learn about the game. After splitting time his freshman year (and never once complaining about it), coaches were hoping that last year they’d be able to increase his carries and, thus, his understanding of how to run. But the separated shoulder quelled those plans.

Can he carry the load as a featured back? That remains to be seen. Which is why Cobbs is likely, barring an absolute breakout year (not completely out of the realm of possibility), a guy to keep an eye on for 2003.

But physically, Cobbs certainly has the frame to be a grinder in the NFL, and has drawn favorable comparisons to another big, SEC standout, Tennessee’s Jamal Lewis, who last year, led Baltimore to the Super Bowl.

Cedric Cobbs Return to The War Room

Cobbs gets back to business for Hogs CabinSports updates Cedric Cobbs’ recovery from the surgery that ended his 2000 season.

Shoulder injury to keep Cobbs out but not down Wally Hall Of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette recounts the injury that ended Cedric Cobbs’ 2000 season.

Cobbs sets lofty goals for himself and Arkansas
ESPN.com previews Cedric Cobbs’ 2000 season.