Mockobee was born in Boonville, Indiana and attended Boonville High School. In Mockobee's high school career he rushed for 3,568 yards and 45 touchdowns. He also caught 21 passes for 357 yards and three touchdowns. Mockobee also played as a defensive back racking up 119 tackles, with two being for a loss, two sacks, 13 pass deflections, five fumble recoveries, and four interceptions.[1] In his senior season Mockobee had a career performance against Gibson Southern in which he rushed for 415 yards on 27 carries, along with five touchdowns in a 43–35 loss.[2] Mockobee initially decided to commit to play college football at Navy.[3][4] However he decided to flip his commitment to instead walk on to the Purdue University.[5]
College career
Mockobee's first career game came on Purdue's second home game in 2022 where he rushed for 78 yards and a touchdown in a 56–0 win against Indiana State.[6] Mockobee had his first career breakout game in Week five as he rushed for a 112 yards and a touchdown to help Purdue upset Minnesota 20–10.[7][8] Just two weeks later in week seven Mockobee had the best game of his career rushing for 178 yards and a touchdown in a 43–37 win over Nebraska[9][10] In the game against Nebraska Mockobee set a school record for the most rushing yards by a freshman.[11] For his performance in the game he was named the B1G freshman of the week.[12] In a week nine matchup Mockobee rushed for a 106 yards on 28 carries and a touchdown to help Purdue knock off #21 Illinois to become bowl eligible.[13] In Purdue's season finale Mockobee rushed for 99 yards and a touchdown in a 30–16 win over rival Indiana.[14] With the win Mockobee helped Purdue advance to the Big Ten Championship.[15] With Mockobee's performance against Indiana he was named the Big Ten co-freshman of the week.[16] In the Big Ten Championship game Mockobee had Purdue's first touchdown of the game on a one-yard rushing touchdown to tie the game 7-7.[17] Mockobee finished the season wit 968 yards and nine touchdowns, while also bringing in 32 receptions for 274 yards.[18] Mockobee also set the school record for most rushing yeards by a freshman.[19] After the season new head coach Ryan Walters awarded Mockobee with a scholarship.[20][21]
