KNOXVILLE - Josh Dobbs raised the ball from his torso, cocked it behind his head and released it toward his target.
The former high school baseball standout missed the strike zone with his ceremonial first pitch before Tennessee's baseball game Friday, but maybe that was for the best.
"We've got to make sure he gets off the field and doesn't try and stay out there to play," Stephanie Dobbs said Friday morning, a few hours before her son's brief appearance on the mound.
The former Volunteers quarterback toyed with the idea of adding baseball to his busy schedule early in 2016, but these days his focus is more channeled toward football than ever.
The senior aerospace engineering major is taking just two classes this semester as he approaches a May graduation date. The lighter course load and freedom from obligations with Tennessee's football program have afforded him time to focus on improving his stock ahead of the NFL draft, set for April 27-29 in Philadelphia.
"Any time you're able to put your undivided attention into a craft, you're going to continue to grow and improve," Dobbs said Friday after throwing for NFL scouts at the Vols' pro day. "That's why this process has been so great. Of course, I have six hours of school to finish up, but the process is a lot less strenuous than it had been before."
Sports Illustrated and CBS Sports each has Dobbs ranked as the ninth-best quarterback in the draft, with CBS Sports projecting him as a sixth-round selection.
"The buzz is definitely growing," Dobbs said, "which feels good."
Vols coaches raved about Dobbs' performance at pro day. Wearing a T-shirt and shorts, he calmly distributed pass after pass to a crew of former teammates also hoping to impress scouts. There were no pads and no defenders, but there was plenty at stake.
Dobbs described his performance as efficient and believed he showed the ability to make "all the throws on the field."
Critics called Dobbs' downfield passing accuracy into question during his college career and questioned his viability as an NFL quarterback. A strong performance in the Senior Bowl, at March's NFL combine and on Friday have elevated his standing.
"I don't need validation," Dobbs said. "It's about time, honestly. But I don't need validation. I know my skills and abilities. I've shown it throughout my career opportunities and during this draft process. People are entitled to their opinions, but it doesn't meant they're right at the end of the day."
Dobbs' intelligence and reputation for community service also figure to help him as NFL executives weigh their choices in the draft. He helped with a youth football camp over the weekend, and Dobbs learned on Thursday that he will receive the Torchbearer, the highest student award at Tennessee.
Six to 10 students receive the award each year, and he is just the 26th student-athlete honored, according to the university. Stephanie and Robert Dobbs surprised their son by being present in coach Butch Jones' office when the quarterback was informed.
"Once it unfolded," Stephanie said, "we were absolutely floored and so excited for Josh and the idea that his time here in Knoxville has had an impact in so many areas."
He will be honored at the Chancellor's Honors Banquet later this spring. For now, football beckons.
"A lot of coaches have come in and had different meetings and workouts," Dobbs said. "I have different future visits set up as well. I'm excited. It's been a grind, but it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and my goal is to make the most of it.
"To be able to put my undivided attention into football and perfecting my craft for opportunities like this, it's been great. I'm excited to see what the future holds when I'm able to just be a professional football player."
Contact staff writer David Cobb at dcobb@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6249.