Recruiting Report: Mekhi Cobb (Anoka-2021)

[player_tooltip player_id="18164" first="Mekhi" last="Cobb"] is a unique athlete from Anoka, Minn. that has tremendous upside as a potential recruit despite his late introduction to the game of football. At 6’3, 220 lbs. he possesses the strength and speed to either burst around or burst through opposing tackles, and the 2021 grad just finished his first season playing football last fall, providing a tremendously high ceiling that college coaches should take note of. Despite 2019 being his first season in pads, Cobb worked his way up the Anoka Tornadoes roster from varsity special teams to legit defensive minutes throughout the season, and had some big games against Eagan and Osseo. His upside as a player was noticed by one of the top junior college program’s in the Midwest in Iowa Western Community College, who extended him a Junior day invite as a result. With his natural skills finally coupling with some on-field experience, 2020 has the potential to be a big year for Cobb and his Tornado teammates, who have a lot to prove after an underwhelming past couple of seasons. The Minneapolis native was kind enough to give Northstar Football News some of his time to discuss his first season in pads & the growth he showed through the season, playing with University of Minnesota commit [player_tooltip player_id="2218" first="Cody" last="Lindenberg"], potential college landing spots, and more. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy! <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2DAwP9">Junior Year</a> [caption id="attachment_18266" align="alignnone" width="300"] Cobb.[/caption] NFN: Hello and thank you for your time, Mekhi. Please begin by telling our readers a little bit about yourself, your experience with the game of football, and what you love about it. Cobb: “I’d say that I’m a caring, genuine, and honest person. I always find myself trying to make someone smile when they look sad. Especially my close friends and family. I play both football and basketball and will be running track this upcoming spring. I was born and raised in Minnesota but Chicago will always be home because that’s where most of my family is. I loved football as a kid, even when it was just flag. I ended up loving basketball and stopped playing football for awhile. It was when I moved from South Minneapolis to Anoka. I love playing football because of the physicality of it. It’s truly a bonding experience like no other. I swear running out on that field on a Friday night with the fans cheering is the best feeling ever. It’s my first year playing while in high school and I regret not starting freshman year. I also know I would’ve regretted it if I didn’t play not one year of high school.” NFN: Where does the Anoka football program stand going into next season? What are some things you like about the program? Cobb: “I do know that going into the next season we made some changes and got a new head coach along with other coaches. We had high standards for ourselves but it was kinda like starting over. We focused a lot on preparation and mental focus preparing for the upcoming game. What I like about the program is that everyone expects a lot from each other and that we see our potential and it was really all about actually doing it.” NFN: What was cool about playing with University of Minnesota commit [player_tooltip player_id="2218" first="Cody" last="Lindenberg"] last season? What are some things you have learned from his leadership, and how can you apply that to next season? Cobb: “Playing with Cody was a great experience because you could see the passion he has for the game of football. That energy leaked onto other players and it was noticed. I wasn’t voted a captain of the team or anything but I know that I don’t have to be a team captain to be a leader. I’ll be working to be a starter next season and I know I can be the leader on and off the field.” [caption id="attachment_18265" align="alignnone" width="300"] Cobb.[/caption] NFN: Get into some detail about your 2019 season. What were some big games for you? Also, what will you guys have to improve going forward to find a more successful 2020? Cobb: “As far as the 2019 season I joined the team late and didn’t play the first game. Throughout the schedule I played Centennial, Osseo, Eagan, Champlin, Totino-Grace, Maple Grove, and Blaine. I was on special teams only in the beginning of the season. I eventually earned some varsity time on defense against Champlin and from there on I played varsity. My best games were against Osseo and Eagan. I was unable to play against Eden Prairie for sections because I got a mild concussion the week before. I think going forward the team and I just needs to improve on being mentally tough and trusting themselves, their teammates, and the coaches.” NFN: How about recruiting? What level are you interested in playing at? And what can you bring to a college football program? Cobb: “As far as colleges I’m interested in there aren’t really any specific schools. I don’t have any planned visits, interests, or offers. I’d be blessed to receive any opportunity no matter if it’s D1, D2, or D3. I’m all about competition so I try to outwork any guy next to me and that forces him to work even harder. I want everyone to know that they have a role on the team and should be grateful for it. I think I can bring heart to a team starter or not. I want to use every opportunity while I can because life’s to short not to. I think with my size and athleticism I am great at rushing off the edge and containing the outside. I’m also working to improve on my pass coverage and recognizing plays.” I’m excited to see how Cobb’s stock rises in 2020, and NFN readers shouldn’t be surprised when they see the Anoka LB pop up again on their home page soon! Thanks for reading.