With the NFL Draft on the horizon, Cobee Bryant was one of the four Kansas football players to receive an invite to the 2025 NFL Combine. The week-long scouting event measures the physicals of hundreds of draft hopefuls across the country.
Bryant made his first media appearance at the combine on Thursday. When he was standing at the podium, Bryant answered a question about his relationship with Lance Leipold. His response shows how much his KU tenure meant to him.
"Man, that's my father, man. I'll love that man forever. Actually today, he texted me today, asked me how I was doing, and to just put on a show for him. I asked him, I was like, 'Am I prepared for this moment?' because I kind of get in my head sometimes... And he said, 'No, I know you're ready for this moment." So, he kind of just motivates me to keep going tomorrow and just prove to the world that I'm one of the best."
Kansas CB Cobee Bryant on what Lance Leipold meant to him during his time at KU. @KU_Football @CoachLeipold pic.twitter.com/DzwRBVqhqf
— Josh Reed (@4JoshReed) February 27, 2025
Cobee Bryant holds lots of love for former coach Lance Leipold
Bryant came to school the same year (2021) Leipold took over as head coach, so it isn’t surprising that the two have a tremendous bond. Hearing Bryant call Leipold a ‘father’ to him is a testament to the culture he has built within the program. He clearly holds a lot of love toward his former coach and teammates.
Bryant is one of the most accomplished defensive backs to ever play in Lawrence. He became the first Jayhawk in school history to earn three consecutive All-Big 12 First Team selections. During his senior year, Bryant earned Second Team All-America nods from AFCA Coaches and The Sporting News.
After another stellar season in 2024, Bryant’s draft stock skyrocketed, especially after a strong showing in the East-West Shrine Bowl. Some mock drafts have him being taken as early as the second round. He is widely viewed as the KU player with the most NFL potential in this draft class.
It will be a great day for Jayhawk fans when they announce Bryant's name at the NFL Draft podium. He and other KU stalwarts like Devin Neal are the reason why the football team is where it is today.