Far from being bothered by the “Mr. Irrelevant” label, Minor embraced it.<\/p>\n
“It’s just fuel to my fire,” he said. “I’m going to continue to work and I’m excited for this opportunity.”<\/p>\n
And while he may not have been a household name on draft boards, Minor had already made a name for himself in places like Lake Dallas, Lubbock, Bloomington, and Memphis \u2014 by being dependable, selfless, and relentless.<\/p>\n
From the Backyard to the Back End<\/p>\n
Minor was a staple in the Lake Dallas football program from the time he arrived as a freshman. A varsity starter by his sophomore year, he quickly became the Falcons’ best defensive back and an all-purpose weapon.<\/p>\n
“He played safety, receiver, quarterback \u2014 whatever we needed,” Young said. “He had the instincts. He saw things before they happened.”<\/p>\n
The trust came early. “Even as a sophomore, he was our best DB out there,” Young said. “And off the field? Just a great kid. I never had a problem with him. You knew what you were getting every day \u2014 a leader.”<\/p>\n
Minor remembers that foundation well. “I went to a high school that wasn’t far outside of Dallas,” he said. “Lake Dallas High School, up north. I was a three-star recruit. I committed to Texas Tech and played there for three seasons, mostly on special teams.”<\/p>\n
But when his opportunity to start didn’t materialize at Texas Tech \u2014 in part due to two super seniors receiving major NIL deals \u2014 Minor entered the transfer portal.<\/p>\n
“They were giving those guys all kinds of money,” Young explained. “Kobee knew what that meant. He wasn’t going to get a fair shot.”<\/p>\n
Minor landed at Indiana, where he quickly earned a starting role. When that coaching staff was dismissed, he transferred again, this time to Memphis \u2014 where he put together his best season yet.<\/p>\n
“I just ran with it,” Minor said. “I’m here today because of every step along the way.”<\/p>\n