This time last week, Nate Hobbs was all set for Raiders training camp. But over the weekend, he took part in a charity softball game along with some of his teammates and ended up taking one for the team. Literally.
“Yeah, I was just talking about him with the guys,” Maxx Crosby said of Hobbs with a laugh. “Nate Hobbs in like two innings, he ran through the fence, he hit a home run, he did a back flip and then took a pop fly off the top of his head. All in the matter of like ten minutes. So, I’m like this dude, he’s a little bit all over the place when it come to softball, so he’s got some work to do. But he’s talented.”
The beaning had Hobbs sit out the first day of camp Tuesday as he recovers.
The Raiders will be needing the talented slot cornerback this season. Hobbs had an outstanding rookie season in 2021 before the new coaching staff decided to move him all over the secondary last season.
Hobbs also missed six games with an injury. Crosby, who has been spending a lot of time with Hobbs this offseason, is eager to see his defensive teammate return to form this season.
“Nate’s obviously a great friend of mine. He’s an awesome dude,” said Crosby. “He’s relentless, he works hard. He’s young. He’s got a lot of room for improvement. He knows that, but I don’t put a limit on anybody. I think he could be a great player. There’s no doubt in my mind. I’ve seen him at his best and he’s scary, scary good.
“All I want from him is consistency. I want him to be the same guy every single day and keep getting better. He’s had some obstacles, some injuries, but he’s been working hard. I wish nothing but the best for him. I want him to be his best, I know he wants to be his best, but on a daily basis it’s just about being consistent. And as a young guy, that’s the hardest thing to do.
“For me I just try to bring him to a fight, I take him to a fight, we’re talking ball, talking life. Just trying to make him realize the potential and how great he can be. That’s what I try to instill in him. He’s always competing. We friggin shadow box everywhere we go. He’s one of those guys that’s constantly competing and that’s what makes him really special. Like I said, it’s limitless, his potential. He can be great.”
Just maybe Hobbs reserving his competitive energy the football field might be a solid plan.