Hobbs receives Poinsettia Bowl Wishes Come True Most Inspirational Award
12/21/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 21, 2006
SAN DIEGO -- Senior tailback Lonta Hobbs received TCU's Wishes Come True Most Inspirational Award at the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl.The award is presented to the student-athlete who best exemplifies sportsmanship, scholarship and leadership.
In his final game, Hobbs recorded his first 100-yard rushing effort in more than two years. The senior from Clarksville, Texas, ran for 109 yards in the Horned Frogs' 37-7 win over Northern Illinois. He had a 4-yard scoring run for TCU's first points in the game while adding three receptions for 61 yards.
Hobbs closed his career with 3,071 rushing yards to place fourth in TCU history. His 11 100-yard games are tied for sixth with 1955 Heisman Trophy runner-up Jim Swink on the Frogs' all-time list. Hobbs had 38 rushing touchdowns, second on TCU's career chart behind only LaDainian Tomlinson (54, 1997-00).
Hobbs missed over a year because of injury. His return to action this season coincided with the No. 24 Frogs (11-2) winning their final eight games. He rushed for 665 yards and seven touchdowns while adding 15 receptions in earning honorable-mention All-Mountain West Conference honors.
Hobbs burst on the scene as a true freshman in 2002, becoming the first rookie in TCU history to rush for 1,000 yards. His 1,029 yards and 12 touchdowns came on a 6.6 per carry average. In the process, he was named the Conference USA Freshman of the Year and a Freshman All-American.
As a sophomore and junior, Hobbs placed second on the Frogs with 659 and 647 yards, respectively. In both seasons, he was hampered by injury.
He entered the 2005 season with expectations for a great senior year. After beginning the season as the starting tailback and contributing 76 total yards to a 17-10 win at Oklahoma, he saw his campaign come to an end with a groin injury the following week.
