College Football Player From Camden Co. Charged With Rape, Arrested By University Police

VILLANOVA, PA — A Villanova University football player from Camden County is facing rape charges after sexually assaulting another student, authorities said.

D'hani Cobbs, 20, of Sicklerville, was charged Thursday with rape, aggravated indecent assault, sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and other crimes, records show.

The victim met Cobbs at an off-campus event Dec. 7 and returned to his dorm room with other students, according to the Delaware County District Attorney's Office.

After ending up alone with the victim, Cobbs tried to kiss her, and she said no, authorities said. Cobbs then penetrated and assaulted her without her consent, according to law enforcement.

"After the victim was able to leave the dorm, Cobbs sent messages apologizing and asking to talk further so they could come to a mutual understanding of what happened," the DA's Office said.

The next day, the victim reported the incident to the Villanova University Department of Public Safety and Police.

Cobbs was charged on a warrant Thursday. He turned himself in later that day.

He was released on $250,000 unsecured bail and ordered to have no contact with the victim, according to the DA's office.

He was removed from campus, according to a Villanova spokesperson, who told Patch the following:

"Once the University learned of the incident, campus police launched an investigation, notified the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, and the alleged assailant was removed from campus. Sexual violence of any kind is not tolerated on our campus and we are committed to both supporting the victim and fostering a safe environment for all of our students. We are deeply troubled any time we receive reports of such misconduct, as our priority is, and always has been, to ensure we have a safe community for our students, faculty, and staff."

Cobbs has a Sicklerville address listed on court records. His ESPN page says he was born in Camden.

As a freshman this past season, Cobbs appeared in one game to return a punt.

Patch contacted the law firm of Cobbs's listed attorney but didn't immediately get a response.

A preliminary hearing for Cobbs is scheduled for Feb. 12.