Rams News

Holcombe is patient as big day nears

Friday, April 17, 1998

By Nick Wishart \
Of The Post-Dispatch

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. * Former Illini running back's future will be determined at Saturday's draft.

Nothing dampened his spirit or spoiled his mood, not even 17 consecutive defeats to finish out his record-breaking career. Illinois tailback Robert Holcombe could have pointed fingers, yet it never crossed his mind.
Even when the team plunged to new lows last season, Holcombe spoke with lifted spirits.
His approach should pay off Saturday, when Holcombe is expected to be a high pick in the NFL draft. His dream will finally be realized.
"I'll be pretty excited," Holcombe said about draft day, which he'll spend in Houston with his family. "But, I don't know if I'll be nervous because there's nothing I can do. It's like waiting to have your name drawn out of a hat. I've done what I could do. Now it's time to sit back and wait to see what happens."
Illinois coach Ron Turner and the string of professional scouts who have found their way to Champaign, Ill., suspect Holcombe will be selected late in the first round or early in the second.
Holcombe left the NFL Combine in Indianapolis feeling confident about his speed and agility. He then impressed the 20 or so scouts who watched him work out in Champaign, and he said his trips to Jacksonville, Fla., and Kansas City went well. Now, all he can do is wait.
"I like Holcombe a lot," said NFL draft analyst Dave-Te Thomas, "but to me, he's just like Adrian Murrell (of the Jets), a boom-or-bust type. If he has a good lead blocker in front of him, he'll get some nice yardage."
Since the end of his senior season, Holcombe has been busy with agents (International Management Group) and workouts. He also has been dropping classes, which will prevent him from graduating this spring, yet he vows to finish his degree. He wants to coach someday and knows a degree is the only way.
"It's a waste of time for me to be here for four years and not get my degree," Holcombe said. "That's something I worked for and something my mom has always wanted me to complete.'
"I've always been motivated. That's how I've approached the game. I love to play the game and each time I get a chance to play is a blessing.
"Sometimes I reflect back on things," he added. "I know I've worked hard and done my part but some things have happened that I've had no control over and they've made a difference. I just look at them as a blessing. That's the only explanation."

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