Tre Hobbs: I started playing football at the age of six, I started a year early even though I wasn’t supposed to but my dad knew the coach well. I played running back for the Westside Rams in Detroit. Then a few years later I played for the Eastside Saints. Once high school started I played running back and safety until my senior year where I made the transition to wide receiver. We made it all the way to semifinals, one game from playing for the state championship. We had some dogs on our team, Teo Redding, Allante Gardner, Gabe Sanders, Tommie Bush, Martell Dukes, Denny, James Smith… list goes on. I had interest from D1, D2, and D3 schools but bad grades so I did community to boost my grades then webt to a D2 called Concord University and I had a blast there. I learned a lot about improving my game. We were a solid team. Had to leave there because of family issues and finished my senior season A Dakota Wesleyan University. There’s a lot more to my story but it would take up the whole interview lol.
Joe Gaiter: Why do you feel like you weren’t drafted or invited to a mini-camp?
Tre Hobbs: I feel like I wasn’t picked up because I attended a really small school I don’t have a lot of push behind my name. I’m pretty much doing everything on my own.
Joe Gaiter: Do you feel like your talent is on the same level as others that were drafted?
Tre Hobbs: I know for a fact that my game is at the same level and even better than some of the people that were drafted. Not knocking anyone or anything I just know what I can do. I’ve trained and went up against some of the players that were drafted and picked up right after the draft.
Joe Gaiter: What has been some of your greatest college football accomplishments?
Tre Hobbs: Being player of the week 3 times in one year and one being against the 5th ranked team in the nation. Helping boost my team’s spirit when we were down 21-0 going into half time by score a touchdown then a two point conversion that were the points that win us the game. Being on the Dean’s List as an athlete. It’s all an accomplishment being from where I’m from. All the touchdowns, yards, catches, kick returns, practices are all a blessing.
Joe Gaiter: What was your proday stats?
Tre Hobbs:
4.46 forty
37 vertical
10.5 broad jump got a 11 but scratched
11 225 bench
4.1 shuttle
7.28 3 cone
Joe Gaiter: What lessons are you learning throughout this NFL Draft/NFL Free Agent journey?
Tre Hobbs: Patience is one of the biggest lessons I’m learning right now. Being patient while staying positive. Some of my boys got picked up and I’m eager to get my chance as well but everyone’s story is different and I can’t rush God. I’ve been learning to focus on me and keep grinding no matter what because I can get a call at any time.
Joe Gaiter: How has your agent helped you in your journey?
Tre Hobbs: I don’t officially have a signed agent but I have a few contracts. I’ve been getting help from one big time agent but I’m not signed with him. My two mentors Rob Davis (played 12 years with the Packers) and Corey Jackson (also played pro) have been helping me with everything.
Joe Gaiter: Do you feel like you were prepared for the business side of the NFL?
Tre Hobbs: I’m definitely prepared for the business side of football. I know it’s a cut throat business that’s just how it is. When there’s a lot of money involved a person has to know what comes with that. Coaches and Gm’s make the choices they feel best for their team. I come from poverty so I feel like that has prepared me for some aspects.
Joe Gaiter: What is your game plan to get on a team next season?
Tre Hobbs: I’m going to continue to train my tail off and stay in shape. I’ve been in contact with the Spring League’s CEO so I’m going to try to get into the next event they host. I also have some team’s contacts that have reached out to me so I’m going to stay in contact. I might also sign with an agent to try to bridge that gape for me since I’m a small schooler.
Joe Gaiter: Where are you training to stay ready?
Tre Hobbs: I’m training at Sanford Power I’m Sioux Falls, SD but when I go back home I’m going be training with Wideout Tech, a receiver coach that knows his stuff.
Joe Gaiter: How do you work through depression and frustration during this time?
Tre Hobbs: What helps me work through the depression and frustration right now is reading the Word. God has a plan for me and I have to focus on that. That helps me to stay positive and focused. I also try to stay off of social media, it’s like a highlight film of everyone’s accomplishments and that can bring in unwanted thoughts so I’m going black for a while when it comes to social media.
Joe Gaiter: Is it football or nothing?
Tre Hobbs: It’s definitely not football or nothing for me. I’m not going to cut out every other aspect of my life for football. Football can end in one second rather I’m in the NFL or not. I put a majority of everything into football right now but I’m also working on other things as well. I have a time frame from how long I want to pursue it. But there have been people to make it from worst situations than I’m in and there have been people who didn’t make it in way better situations.
Joe Gaiter: Are you still proud of yourself?
Tre Hobbs: I’m very proud of myself and what I’ve accomplished. I’ve been battling an uphill battle my whole life and to see where I’m at is nothing but a blessing. I may not be in camp right now but I’ve gotten calls so I’m on their radar and that’s a huge step for a small school player. Talking to NFL teams, doing a prodigy, training and hanging with pros is something I never thought I would do. I’m just a kid from the Eastside of Detroit. I think everyone knows not many people do what I’m doing from there.
Joe Gaiter: Final Words/Shoutouts?
Tre Hobbs: For my final words I just want to tell others not to lose hope and keep faith. Put God first and continue to chase your dreams no matter what others say and have fun! You get one life so please enjoy it no matter what.
P.S Any teams reading this if I’m not on your radar yet hit me up for a private workout and I’ll show you why I should be.
Twitter:thobbsxxi
Instagram: Treeast11
Tre Hobbs, Undrafted Free Agent, Interview with Joe Gaiter was last modified: May 12th, 2018 by Joseph Gaiter
