Full contribution: Antwan Cobb

Jan. 5, 2010

Caitlin Mangum, Texas Media Relations

Junior FB Antwan Cobb grew up in a military family. His father, Hazel, served in the Army, and Cobb was born in Germany while he was stationed overseas. Cobb believes growing up in that environment taught him the importance of respect and the way in which he conducts himself.

"The main thing I learned is respect and how to treat people," Cobb said. "It is all about the golden rule. I just kept that mind frame as I grew up."

Subsequently, Cobb's military upbringing and the sense of respect instilled upon him at a young age has translated to his approach to football.

"You gain a lot of respect for your teammates," Cobb said. "Everyone supporting you and having your back is the best feeling in the world. Texas is like a family. That's why I came here, and it is something that I take dear to heart."

In fact, one of the Texas family members he has been closest too is former RB Chris Ogbonnaya, who finished his UT career last season and went on to be drafted by the St. Louis Rams.

"Chris taught me a lot about the right way to do things," Cobb said. "He gave everything he had on and off the field and was an Academic All-American and is now in the NFL. Chris had everyone's respect. That is extremely important to me, and this team has a great deal of it."

And like a family, he believes in the importance of unity. Cobb has taken a selfless approach to the game, putting the team above personal motivations.

"It is all for the team - bottom line," Cobb said. "I just told coach to put me in where I fit in. I just want to help out and be able to contribute in any way. I have done that thus far and want to continue to do that."

Believing that, Cobb has excelled at both fullback and special teams, where he has proven himself as a valuable and versatile player. Cobb was second on the team this year with 13 special-teams tackles and even converted a fake punt against Missouri.

Cobb has also seen the value of the fullback position at Texas, which produced players like current Tennessee Titan Ahmard Hall, who also showed the discipline and toughness of a military background, having served as a Marine.

"Coming into UT and coming into the season, I knew that I was going to be moved around in places, and fullback seemed to stick with me," Cobb said. "There have been great players there like Ahmard, and I know it's a place I can contribute."

Unfortunately, Cobb's time at Texas has not been without struggles. In 2007, he endured a season-ending knee injury at Iowa State and spent most of the following year rehabbing.

Cobb describes the time as difficult, but through discipline and desire he was able to channel the frustration into motivation. Nonetheless, he appreciates the importance of the support from those around him, and the impact this support has on his recovery.

"It was tough," Cobb said in reference to his knee injury. "It was a tough part of my life, but it has motivated me so far and will continue to motivate me. Knee injuries or any kind of injuries are hard to come off of.

"Where I am in my life and where I am in football, I just really am thankful for all of the support and the family I have - from the coaching staff to the training staff to my own family."

Now, Cobb is excited to share another experience with his extended Longhorn family - playing for a national title.

"Last year making it to this point was a dream that we did not reach, so we knew what we had to do and knew what it would take to be here this season," Cobb said. "We wanted to win, and our passion, strength, and courage brought us together. We are proud to be here. It is a great opportunity to show the world who the Longhorns are."

The University of Texas at Austin Athletics