The Story
Tribe Vibe: Cox Watch 2009
This article is the latest in The DoG Street Journal's weekly series of opinions pieces, "Tribe Vibe." Tribe Vibe discusses the most important aspects of William and Mary, the Tribe and life in Williamsburg.
No, this isn’t a poorly punned review of Sacha Baron Cohen’s new movie, Bruno. Rather, this is a pre-training camp update on the progress of Tribe alumnus Derek Cox. If you haven’t heard, Cox was the first football player from the College to be drafted since the Green Bay Packers selected Darren Sharper over a decade ago. Cox was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars, and while he was selected a round later than fellow defensive-back Sharper, his prospects appear to be equally as high.
Cox’s selection early in the third round turned quite a few heads among football pundits. ESPN draft gurus like Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay went so far as to call the Cox selection one of the biggest reaches of the draft. However, in Optional Training Activities (OTAs) Cox has been impressive.
Pro Football Weekly, for example, recently raved about Cox. A well-established insider magazine that does draft analysis, news and comprehensive fantasy football reports, the Weekly had this to say about Cox:
“Jaguars third-round CB Derek Cox didn't do anything in the spring to make the club second-guess its selection of him, which was widely criticized outside the organization. He has looked fluid in coverage and figures to compete for serious time in the secondary, and he will also give Brian Witherspoon a run for his money in the return game.”
Other reviews of Cox’s early play have been just as complimentary. Numerous Jaguars blogs have speculated that Cox will spend significant time on the field and may go so far as to start by the end of the year. With the Jaguars rookies reporting to official team training camp on Aug. 2, the only apparent obstacle towards Cox’s rise on the depth charts is his current contract status - Cox is unsigned.
Cox’s athleticism, with and without the ball, has been his most impressive trait. Because OTAs are non-contact, it is difficult to judge the abilities and improvements of players on the offensive and defensive line. Alternatively, players like Cox, who will double as a cornerback and return specialist, have the perfect opportunity to wow coaches with speed, fluidity and other skills. Cox has done just that. While nothing is written in stone, it will be very interesting to see with which team (first team, second team, etc.) Cox starts training camp, and with which team he closes it.
So, Tribe fans, circle Aug. 13 on your calendar, particularly if you are planning on being in the Jacksonville area. That is the first day that Jags practice is open to the public. And, if early murmurs are indications of things to come for Derek Cox, there will be at least one thing to cheer about for Tribe football fans this fall.
John Hill is Sports Editor for The DSJ. His views do not necessarily represent those of the entire staff.