Dobbins attended Glencliff Comprehensive High School in Nashville, Tennessee and led the Colts to the 1999 TSSAA Class 5A State Champion Runner-Up.

During his career, he played with multiple other All State players that went on to have success at the college and professional levels.

At Iowa State University, Dobbins earned all Big 12 honors in his senior season.

In the 2007 NFL draft, A. J. Smith added some more competition to the linebacking corps with the additions of Anthony Waters and Brandon Siler.

During the divisional playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens, Dobbins stuffed Ray Rice on fourth-and-goal to preserve a goal-line stand.

Dobbins signed with the Dallas Cowboys after a season-ending injury to linebacker Justin Durant.