Interview: College Coaches to Learn of 2022 Arkansas ATH Deorius Cobbs During Camp Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Deorius Cobbs may be the ultimate utility player in the high school ranks. The Class of 2022 talent showed his versatility during the 2020 season lining up at nine different positions against 5A Arkansas competition. On offense, Cobbs was a dual-threat in the backfield rushing for 610 yards with seven scores and threw for an estimated 540 yards off 26 completions with five more touchdowns on the board. When Jacksonville High School flipped the field, their 6-3, 203-pound, defender was a fierce head hunter rolling downhill and punishing receivers in his zone. The play on the field brought All-Conference and All-State honors Cobbs’ way.
With the camp season heating up, Cobbs is putting in the work ready to impress college programs this summer. We catch him during track season and just before an unofficial visit to Central Missouri.
Interview
Deorius, with all your athletic talents and abilities, watching film on you is a lot of fun. Coming up through the ranks playing football, has this ability always been there or are you coming into your own over the last couple of years?
When it comes to football, I was not all that good when I was younger. This is worked on talent. I took my God given talent and I had to work for everything I’ve done.
Impressive. You were all over the field and playing in all three phases of the game. If you will, rundown all the positions played in 2020.
I played kicker, punter, quarterback, strong safety, tight end, receiver, running back, defensive end and defensive tackle.
Whoa. I knew you were playing a lot of positions but I didn’t know about all of them.
Yes, sir.
Let’s jump to your play on defense. I love that you are not afraid to smoke a guy dropping him on contact. What do you feel are some of your other strengths on defense?
Knowing my position and knowing my keys. I have a good nose for the football and I am aggressive. Once I get you on contact, you are not getting away from me.
That 100-plus yard pick-six, walk us through that amazing play.
I was at strong safety, it was towards the end of the game, and I was on their No. 1 receiver. My corner asked me to help him over the top in the red zone. Once I saw the quarterback look that way, I ran over there jumped up for the pick, and the rest is there for everyone to see. I wanted to end the game with a bang, so I took it back. I had great teammates blocking for me.
For me, your speed shows a little more to me when you are on offense, especially at quarterback. What is the best-timed run you’ve put down?
I haven’t run a 40 recently. I do have L and shuttle drill times. My L drill is a 7.5 and my shuttle is a 4.4.
Playing quarterback, what offense were you executing with the Titans last season?
We were in a Spread and Flex Bone. Because of our strength and size, we went between those.
Where all might you play during your senior year?
Honestly, I don’t know yet. We’ll find out later this spring.
How are you preparing for the 2021 season this spring on offense?
I am working on my passing game. My receivers are running routes with me, and they throw the ball to me allowing me to work on my hands. They work with me on getting my timing down. I am getting my speed and strength right. We are getting our team chemistry right to play as a team this season.
What are you working on as a defender?
Explosion and turning my shoulders. I am trying to get my legs stronger when it comes to hitting, and hitting them harder. I want to cover receivers this season, so I am guarding the receivers on my team helping me with my cover skills.
Are you playing other sports for Jacksonville?
Yes, I play basketball and run track.
Which events in track are you running?
The hurdles, long and high jump and the 100.
Camp season is underway, have you been to any camps yet or do you have any camps coming up you may attend?
I am going to a couple of camps this summer, but I haven’t been to any yet. I have been to some basketball camps.
Are you planning on going to any college camps?
Yes, I am planning on going to camps at Henderson and UCA (Central Arkansas).
Which programs are showing interest ahead of the college camp season?
Central Missouri, UCA, Henderson State, and Northeastern State.
Are you taking any visits coming up?
Yes, I am going to visit Central Missouri this weekend. I want to see what they have to offer. After that, I’m not sure which schools I may visit.
Deorius, thanks for your time today. Wishing you success on your visit this weekend to Central Missouri.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Cobbs family; Deorius Cobbs