By Alan Lytle
Lexington, KY – Kentucky All-American Randall Cobb has announced he will forego his senior season at UK and declare himself eligible for the NFL draft in April. In a sometimes emotional press conference on Thursday, the Alcoa native says he thinks he's ready to take his talents to the next level.
"This decision has been weighing on me for awhile. And, as hard as it was, I had to make the best decision for me and felt that it was my time to go and pursue my dream of playing in the NFL."
Cobb says what made his decision so difficult was the friendships he's built with teammates, as well as some still un-met goals for the Kentucky football program.
"I know without a doubt in my mind, my teammates will carry on the tradition and we will continue to recruit top athletes and develop them into the best players. I will continue to represent this university to the best of my ability, and will wear my UK blue and white with pride."
The Alcoa, Tennessee native says he will savor a lot of memories in his time wearing the blue and white.
"From going to bowl games every single year to the wild finishes. It feels like just last week when we had the crazy comeback against Arkansas in 08, and just yesterday when we went on the road and beat Georgia and Auburn at their home stadiums. But a special moment stands out this past year, when we took down South Carolina and the Old Ball Coach and everyone rushed the field,"
Cobb was named a first-team All-American by the Associated Press. ESPN.com, and SportsIllustrated.com. He was the leading receiver on the Wildcats this year with 84 passes for 1,017 yards, and had 955 yards in punt and kick returns. His thirteen touchdowns and nearly 24-hundred all-purpose yards helped the Wildcats secure a record fifth straight bowl appearance.
Cobb had until Saturday to decide whether or not to enter the draft. Some experts say he could be a late second, or early third round pick.