Utter the words “North Dakota State” in the city of Philadelphia and watch Eagles fans shutter. Well, Draft Prospect LB JaBrill Cox does have ties to NDS however this is not where he ended his collegiate career. I’m really looking forward to this player breakdown. Linebacker is my favorite position on the field and the Philadelphia Eagles have a huge need at that position.
Collegiate Career
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Draft Prospect LB JaBrill Cox attended Raytown South High Scholl in Raytown, Missouri. The 6’4″ 231 pound Cox started his collegiate career at yep you guessed it, North Dakota State. He redshirted his freshman year as he moved to the linebacker position. As a redshirt freshman, he was named second team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) and the conference Newcomer of the Year. Cox was named the conference Defensive Player of the Year and first team All-MVFC after recording 91 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks and four interceptions (two of which he returned for a touchdown). Cox made 92 tackles with 5.5 was named first team All-MVFC for a second straight season, as well as an All-American by the Associated Press.
After his time with the Bison’s, Draft Prospect LB JaBrill Cox decided to take his game to the SEC. In 2020 Cox transferred to the LSU Tigers to play at the highest level of college football. His skills did not disappoint, as the athletic linebacker started all 10 games and intercepted three passes, returning one for a score, while making 58 tackles (6.5 for a loss) and breaking up five passes. He accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl. Every player has a pros and cons list and JaBrill is no exception.
Weaknesses
- Plays upright from the second level too often.
- Doesn’t appear to be a very quick processor from inside.
- Early play quickness limited by excessive thinking.
- Lacking patience necessary to decipher misdirection.
Strengths
- Excellent work ethic and is accomplishment-oriented on and off field.
- Not at all out of place athletically in move from FCS to SEC.
- Willing to play through pain.
- Outstanding field range with explosive closing burst.
- Comes from backside linebacker spot to make tackles near far sideline.
There is a chance Cox could be there at 37 if so I think the Philadelphia Eagles should take a long hard look at adding this key piece to the roster.
Tom Kelly
Host for the Pattison Ave Phanatics
Twitter: @patavephan
Facebook: Tom Kelly and Pattison Ave Phanatics
Photo Credit : Broncos Wire – USA Today
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