The Randall Cobb Touchdown Tracker.

By LARRY VAUGHT

Louisville’s Mike Murphy was on the Randall Cobb bandwagon before the season started and has made quite a niche for himself with his “The Legend of Cobb” sign he has had at each UK home game to update the touchdown totals for the talented sophomore.

“Each time Randall scores I tear away the old number revealing the new number. This sign has become quite popular and is developing a huge following. Obviously it is a awesome time at the games. Randall is well aware of the sign and he points to the sign after he scores which lets me know its time to change the number,” Murphy said.

Murphy hopes to eventually give the sign to the Cobb family after his eligibility expires in two years. “Or at least that is my plan,” Murphy said.

Murphy offered some background and insights into his unique idea that has become more and more popular — and should continue to grow based on Cobb’s ability.

Randall Cobb points to the Touchdown Tracker after scoring a TD against Mississippi State. (Clay Jackson photo)

Question: What made you have the inspiration to do this and when did you start?

Murphy: “I started at the beginning of this season. Growing up and watching the Cubs (wasn’t even a Cubs fan, Johnny Bench was my hero) on WGN when cable first came out, I was always intrigued by the interactive Shawon-o-meter in the bleachers.  This summer I knew I wanted to create something unique and original for Cobb but nothing stood out until one evening on ESPN Classic, I saw the Shawon-o-meter and it hit me. That was it, I realized I could record his touchdowns. And to think this thing will go on for two more seasons, it has a ton of potential.

Question: When do you realize that Randall was aware of what you were doing and reacting to it?

Murphy: “After I came up with concept and designed my sign, I was able to make contact with Randall and sent him pictures. I explained what I was going to do with the sign and made sure he was aware of my seat location. I told him I thought it would really get the fans into it if he was able to acknowledge the sign. I asked him to make sure his family knew where I sat so they could witness it as well. I thought it had some potential but no where near what it’s actually turned into after only five home games. Really this is just the beginning!

“It receives great feedback at the games. When I’m holding it up its neat seeing people trying to get the people around them to look at the sign by pointing at it. There are also a lot of pictures taken. I have only received negative feedback one time.  After Randall scores and I hold up the sign, the TV cameras sometimes make me hold it up during the commercial timeout so they can come back live to the game with the sign on the screen.

“Recently I was interviewed by KSR (Kentucky Sports Radio) and told them that I wasn’t going to be at the Mississippi State game because I was taking my daughters trick or treating.  I received e-mails from people I never met asking if they could take the sign and carry on the tradition.  That made me think even more, the Legend of Cobb could grow on the road and follow Randall into all hostile environments.  So I created a page on Facebook called ‘The Legend of Cobb’  which I’m hoping to use to find  fans traveling to those away games to keep the tradition going.  I’m calling for ‘honorary bodyguards’ to help out. I really think we can get every game covered for the rest of his career.”

Question: Are you always in the same spot in Commonwealth Stadium?

Murphy: “I sit in section 128, row 3, between the 25-30 yard line, directly behind the offensive lineman and backs/receivers benches. This helps establish the personal connection.”

Question: How unique do you think Randall Cobb is?

Murphy: “Randall Cobb is very unique and dynamic. Every single time he touches the ball, you feel like he can score.  The University of Kentucky should do what the British Open does for it’s champion. They show the artist engraving the champions name in the Claret Jug immediately.  As soon as the final horn sounds against Tennessee on Senior Day in 2011, Mr. Barnhart needs to make sure that Randall Cobb’s name is being painted on the ring of honor.  We need to make those Tennessee fans watch that paint dry!

Question: How did you become a UK fan?

Murphy: “I live in Louisville, but grew up a Kentucky fan. My two all-time favorite athletes are Paul Calhoun, he was a local legend here in Shively, and John Pelphrey.  I made a sign for John as well that got quite a bit of attention, but that’s a different story for another time!  If you ever see John ask him about the sign I made for him the night they retired their jerseys after losing to Duke. Pitino talked about it in the final chapters of his book, Full Court Pressure.”

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If you like the idea of possibly being an honorary bodyguard for the sign at Vanderbilt or Georgia when UK plays there, Murphy says to contact him at  thelegendofcobb@insightbb.com.

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