Carl Albert's Dwight Dobbins Solid on Commitment to Tulsa

The Carl Albert athlete is committed to playing for the Golden Hurricane, despite the coaching changes.

Thursday, July 28th 2011, 6:02 pm

By: News On 6

Carl Albert's Dwight Dobbins Solid on Commitment to Tulsa

Originally Published: Jan 13, 2011 9:22 PM CDT

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

TULSA, Oklahoma -- When Todd Graham left Tulsa for the Pittsburgh head coaching job, despite the murmurs of him leaving the departure came suddenly.

Despite his feelings that Graham would leave eventually, Tulsa commit Dwight Dobbins expected to get a chance to play under Graham.

“I was a bit surprised. I thought he was going to be there a little while,” Dobbins said. “I know he had success and I knew eventually that bigger schools would be after him.”

Even though he was surprised at Graham’s departure, Dobbins is still solid on his commitment to the Golden Hurricane.

“When he recruited me he told me ‘There’s a chance any of the coaches can leave at any point in time. When you commit, you commit to the school,” Dobbins said. “I’m committed to Tulsa University.”

Family factored in his decision, with his mother’s wishes and the opportunity to play in front of loved ones helping him chose.

“My mom wants me to stay close, so I was glad I could please her and make her happy,” Dobbins said. “My family can also come see me play.”

Graham’s departure not only cost the Golden Hurricane its head coach, but in his departure he also took his defensive coordinators and his director of recruiting. In the transition, the Tulsa coaching staff has still maintained contact with Dobbins.

“I talked to Coach [Van] Malone and Coach [Jess] Loepp and they told me the situation and what was going on,” Dobbins said. “They’ve been keeping me informed.”

And even with all of the shakeups at Tulsa, the Carl Albert senior is excited to head east and start school.

“I’ve always been excited about going to college,” Dobbins said. “That’s really all I’m worried about."