One of the most decorated signing classes in Destrehan history had the spotlight at DHS last week, as the school held its annual early signing day ceremony for five standout student-athletes heading to the next level – and five champions, at that.
Destrehan football saw linebacker Kolaj Cobbins put pen to paper to sign with the LSU Tigers; safety Anthony Robinson signing with Ole Miss; offensive tackle Jayce Mitchell en route for Tulane; and running back Shane Lee heading for Nicholls State. All four players helped fuel Destrehan’s 2022 state championship victory and 2023 run to the quarterfinals, and all four are headed to play Division I college football. The four are part of a senior class that went 47-4 on the football field, with just one regular season loss – that coming in the very first game of 2020, and none since.
Likewise, it was a proud day for Destrehan swimming, as state champion Colin Candebat inked with Henderson State. Candebat earned state crowns in the 100 breaststroke and 200 individual medley events, recording times of 58.12 and 1:52.98 respectively.
Cobbins, nicknamed “Tut,” has long been one of the most sought after recruits in the state. He committed to LSU just prior to the beginning of his senior season as a Wildcat, and the four-star recruit made good on that commitment on signing day.
An explosive edge-rusher who expanded his game in pass coverage as a senior, Cobbins is eager to join the Tiger defense.
“Deep down inside, I felt like LSU was the place for me since day one,” said Cobbins. “I’m from Louisiana. I feel like I’m a boot boy, and I’ve got to go put on for my state.”
Cobbins said the Tigers have indicated they plan to use him in a similar role as he had at Destrehan.
“The Jack position … pass rush, pass drop (coverage), play the end – I’ll be all over. Jack of all trades.
“Going to the SEC, I feel like that’s where the big dogs play at. I want to play against the best competition to improve my game and get to the NFL.”
Another SEC signee was his teammate, Robinson, who signed with coach Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss Rebels. Robinson did it all in his tenure with the Wildcats and, like Cobbins, was on the national recruiting radar early on in his prep career, showing his athleticism and tremendous ball skills throughout.
While Robinson signed to add his skills to the Rebel defense, Robinson – who played wide receiver, cornerback, kick and punt returner and running back for Destrehan during his Wildcats tenure – noted he may have put the idea of a few offensive snaps to Kiffin’s ear.
“He’s an offensive mastermind,” Robinson said of Kiffin. “I’m not going to play offense, but I did ask jokingly if I could get a couple touches.”
Robinson called the signing a dream come true.
“Coming from Louisiana, Ole Miss is one of those known, recognized schools,” Robinson said. “I thank God for this opportunity … it felt like home. I’ve been there a couple of times and they’ve always shown me great hospitality.”
Mitchell has been a cornerstone of a Destrehan line that has proven the backbone of the Wildcats’ physical offensive identity. The 6’4, 285-pound Mitchell is excited to stay close to home and said Tulane’s change at head coach from Willie Fritz did not sway him away from joining several former DHS teammates with the Green Wave.
“You won’t find a better degree than at Tulane,” Mitchell said. “Coach (Jon) Sumrall is a winning head coach. Coach (Dan) Roushar is a good offensive line coach, so you won’t find better in that area either. It’s an opportunity to stay close to home.”
Having several former Wildcats on the roster, he said, is a plus.
“They said it was ultimately my choice,” Mitchell said. “I feel like (having them there) just gives me a better idea about expectations, team chemistry, what’s actually taking place in the locker room.”
Then there’s Lee, who has been a true franchise player for Destrehan. Head coach Marcus Scott once said Lee has been “the best player in St. Charles Parish for a long time.” The running back joined Destrehan with high expectations, became the rare DHS athlete to earn considerable playing time at the position as a freshman, and has been the offensive focal point of Destrehan for the past three seasons.
Lee now heads to play for a former Destrehan head coach in Nicholls’ Tim Rebowe. Lee says he is ready.
“I think this is gonna be a really good fit for me,” Lee said.
He acknowledged he is fueled by the perception some have that he lacks prototypical measurables for a college rusher at 5’10, 200 lbs.
“I’m looking to prove all of those other teams wrong – I feel like I’m underrated,” Lee said.
Candebat, meanwhile, said that when he received the offer from Henderson State – his first major offer of the recruiting process – it was like a weight was removed from his chest. This has been a dream of his – a dream now realized as he heads to Henderson State.
“I got my offer in September – it meant a lot to me and a lot to my mom,” Candebat said.
He said he felt confident that if he executed as he had while training, he could find success at last month’s state championship swim meet. Still, the reality of it was thrilling, he said.
“I really wanted to win that for Destrehan,” said Candebat of the second of his two crowns, the 100 breaststroke. “Going into that night, I had to step up. I knew it would be close, maybe by point-five. I ended up going 58 high and (his opponent) went 59 low.”
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