Far from being bothered by the "Mr. Irrelevant" label, Minor embraced it.
"It's just fuel to my fire," he said. "I'm going to continue to work and I'm excited for this opportunity."
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 — by being dependable, selfless, and relentless.
**From the Backyard to the Back End**
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.
"He played safety, receiver, quarterback — whatever we needed," Young said. "He had the instincts. He saw things before they happened."
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 — a leader."
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."
But when his opportunity to start didn't materialize at Texas Tech — in part due to two super seniors receiving major NIL deals — Minor entered the transfer portal.
"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."
Minor landed at Indiana, where he quickly earned a starting role. When that coaching staff was dismissed, he transferred again, this time to Memphis — where he put together his best season yet.
"I just ran with it," Minor said. "I'm here today because of every step along the way."
Minor's path through three college programs speaks not only to his perseverance, but also his adaptability. According to his [NFL.com scouting report](https://www.nfl.com/prospects/kobee-minor/32004d49-4e53-0640-2bd2-6ad7c03b4ab7), he's a fluid, versatile defender with good instincts, the ability to play multiple roles, and a willingness to contribute on special teams — traits that align well with New England's emphasis on versatility and discipline.
"When I came into college, I was a safety," Minor said. "I moved to corner, and at Memphis we had a nickel package for me. I know how to play each and every spot in the back end. I feel like that's what makes me versatile."
Asked to describe his style of play, Minor didn't hesitate. "I would say I'm a dog, for sure," he said. "You're going to get a hard worker, a guy that does everything right on and off the field. You're getting a good football player — and a better person."