Cobb was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He attended J—Frank Dobie High School, where he was a standout football and track athlete. Several significant colleges recruited Cobb, but he ultimately chose to stay close to home and attend Rice University.
Cobb made an immediate impact on the Rice football program. As a freshman in 1989, he ran for 1,087 yards and 12 touchdowns. Cobb's breakout season came in 1991 when he rushed for 1,692 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also led the nation in all-purpose yards with 2,249. Cobb's performance that season earned him the Doak Walker Award, given annually to the nation's top college running back.
An excellent video on former Rice football player Trevor Cobb.