Andrew Smith Football Camp Story

BobFam · May 17, 2007

HONORING A FRIEND

Cobbs hoping to take part in Andrew Smith Jr. Football Camp

May 17, 2007 - Posted at 12:00 a.m.

Patrick Cobbs and Andrew Smith met under the worst of circumstances and became the best of friends.

Cobbs and Smith were touring the University of North Texas campus in Denton on a recruiting visit when they came upon members of a fraternity, who were waving Confederate flags and chanting racist slogans.

Cobbs and Smith didn't let the incident stop them from attending North Texas and both were happy with their decision.

Cobbs set North Texas and Sun Belt Conference records for career rushing yards (4,050), rushing touchdowns (36), rushing attempts (818) and all-purpose yards (5,255), while leading the nation in 2003 as a junior by rushing for 152.7-yards per game.

Smith, who threw for 2,281 yards and 23 touchdowns while directing Bay City to the 2000 Class 4A, Division I state championship, took over as North Texas' starting quarterback as a redshirt freshman in 2002. Smith threw for 1,206 yards and was the first North Texas quarterback to lead the team to an undefeated conference record and conference championship and became the first to win a bowl game when the Eagles captured a 24-19 victory over Cincinnati in the New Orleans Bowl.

Cobbs overcame an injury that sidelined him in 2004 and completed his North Texas career in 2005. He signed with the New England Patriots as a free agent in 2006 and is currently on the roster of the Miami Dolphins.

Smith played for North Texas in 2003 but while returning to Denton for fall practice in August of 2004, he was killed in a car wreck at the age of 21.

Cobbs joined his North Texas teammates and traveled to Bay City for Smith's funeral. If all goes according to plan, Cobbs will return to Bay City on Saturday under more pleasant circumstances.

Cobbs must attend an offseason training session at the Dolphins' headquarters in Davie, Fla., on Friday. He hopes to leave the session and return to his Fort Lauderdale residence before driving to Miami to catch a flight to Houston and driving to Bay City to take part in the Andrew Smith Jr. Football Camp.

"It's a great thing," Cobbs said of the camp, which was created by Smith's family in 2005. "It's a way to kind of honor Drew and honor something he loved to do. It's a way to spread the knowledge of football throughout his little community. I think it's a great job by his family."

Cobbs lived across the hall from Smith at North Texas and spent quite a bit of time with him on and off the field.

"I remember him being a fun guy and a great competitor," Cobbs said. "He loved the game of football. He was really down to earth and easy to joke around with and he never got too serious about anything.

"He was one of those guys who was a true friend. He'd do anything to help you. Those are the kind of people I like and Drew was like that."

Cobbs was unable to attend last year's camp because he was working out with the Patriots. He was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 1 and waived a week later. Cobbs joined the Dolphins' practice squad before being activated by the team and making his NFL debut on Dec. 3 against Jacksonville. He played in three games last season.

"The biggest change is the playbook," Cobbs said of going from North Texas to the NFL. "Behind that it's a business. There are no scholarships and no guaranteed contracts. It's what have you done for me lately? I remember (former defensive back) Merton Hanks telling me you never make it in the NFL until you're retired and done. Any day you can be gone. It's cutthroat. You know there are people back there trying to hustle your job."

Cobbs is used to overcoming the odds since going to North Texas from his high school in Tecumseh, Okla., where he rushed for 4,729 yards and 61 touchdowns and also had 16 interceptions.

"I always thought that I could play," the 5-foot-8, 210-pound Cobbs said. "I knew I was going to have to prove myself. At every level, I've had to prove myself. I like to work hard. I don't want anything given to me."

Cobbs is looking forward to sharing what he has learned when his football career is over and he believes this weekend's camp would be the perfect place to start.

"I want to do something with children," Cobbs said. "I got my degree in sociology and I want to go into counseling or be a football coach. I want to do something with kids, especially with kids who are old enough to understand. There are lots of kids who need leadership and don't have it."

Andrew Smith Jr. Football Camp

When: Saturday, 8 a.m.

Where: Memorial Stadium, Bay City

Registration: $15 before Saturday and $20 on Saturday beginning at 7 a.m.

Facts: The camp is open to boys ages 6-17. Campers should bring gym shorts, T-shirt, socks, shoes and a mouthpiece. Campers will receive a camp T-shirt, lunch and certificate of completion. All proceeds will go to the Andrew Smith Jr. Scholarship Fund. For information, phone 979-245-9000.