For those of you too young and privileged to have actually applied for an actual job (NOTE: Scooping ice cream, lifeguarding, or working a cash register at your local McAllister's does not count. I'm talking about jobs that have things like retirement plans and dental coverage.), a cover letter is something that is oftentimes included with a resume. It is a way to sell yourself before selling yourself, particularly by demonstrating some writing skills, outlining your interests in the position at hand, and conveying some sort of enthusiasm for the possibility of being offered the job.

Yes, they're every bit as stupid and frivolous as they sound, but you'll be hard pressed to find many job openings nowadays that don't ask for both a resume and a cover letter. I guess they want to, I dunno, prove you're literate or not a robot or something.

It is not really something that is altogether necessary for a job that you know you already have and, technically, aren't even applying for. Take, for example, the case of an SEC quarterback recruit on National Signing Day. He already has a scholarship offer in hand, and the school of his choice will honor said offer so long has his letter of intent is properly filled out and signed. There's no need to win anybody over in this case, because your position in the organization is secured. You've already made whatever impression you needed to make to receive your offer.

Devante Kincade, though, doesn't give a damn about the bare necessities. The Ole Miss quarterback signee out of Skyline High School in Dallas wanted to remind his new coaches just what exactly they should expect out of his presence as a part fo the Rebel program. To do this, he attached a cover letter to his faxed letter of intent, a move which, as far as I am aware, is unprecedented in modern Ole Miss football recruiting.

To: Coach Freeze

Coach McGriff

Coach Warner, and Coaching Staff Dear Sir: Today is National signing day and as the quarterback of this class, I feel like I have to lead by example. Today I commit to lead in practice, on and off the field, in the classroom and in everything I do as a Rebel. I will give my best at all times as a student and as the quarterback by studying the playbook, executing the offense, and doing all I can to get us to Atlanta and securing the National Championship. God has blessed me to be the QB for the best recruiting class in Ole Miss History. I do not take that lightly. Today February 6th is when it starts, by getting up earlier than I have to be the first one to send in my National letter of Intent! I am an Ole Miss Rebel and by the grace of God, I can do all things through him who gives me strength! Mr. Switchblade DPK let us go to work! Sincerely, DeVante P. Kincade

Let us go to work indeed, Mr. Switchblade.