Oak Park and River Forest High School seniors Simmie Cobbs, Jamal Baggett and Xavier Rowe each signed a letter of intent on Feb. 5 to play football at their respective college of choice next season. Cobbs (Indiana University), Baggett (University of Akron) and Rowe (Western Illinois University) played instrumental roles during the Huskies’ 9-2 campaign under head coach John Hoerster.
Cobbs earned Class 8A All-State honors with 44 catches for 715 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He also returned six kicks for 102 yards and contributed defensively at linebacker and safety as well as special teams.
Blessed with tremendous speed, Baggett served as one of the Huskies’ primary playmakers, racking up 746 yards and eight touchdowns on 82 rushing attempts. He also excelled as a premier defensive back with three interceptions for 118 yards and special teams ace (nine kick returns for 189 yards, touchdown).
Rowe also anchored the defense with stellar play in the secondary. He caught 16 passes for 169 yards, highlighted by a late touchdown reception against Glenbard West during a 20-14 loss to the defending state champion Hilltoppers.
Most importantly, all three players emerged as team leaders for OPRF, which lost to visiting Maine South 34-21 in the second round of the Class 8A playoffs.