Ben Cox
Offensive Line, Class of 2020
Radford High School, Radford, VA
6-6, 280
It’s understandable, the school that Radford (Va.) 2020 offensive tackle Ben Cox has his eye on the most. Now at three offers, Cox said he’s still eagerly waiting what other schools will get involved in his recruitment.
At 6-foot-6 and 280 pounds, Cox has offers from Marshall, Richmond and William & Mary, all over a few days, nearly two weeks ago. Cox has already been on a few visits, and has more lined up, which he hopes adds to his recruitment in a few ways as he goes through his desired criteria.
“I really want to go to a high-academic school,” he said. “It’s really about the next 40 years, not just four. I want to enjoy the coaches, the way they teach. But definitely academics is most important.”
Marshall became Cox’s first scholarship offer on March 6. He cites one noteworthy event as his biggest reason of interest right now.
“I mean, it’s definitely a great football program,” Cox said. “They’re doing well in Conference USA. I’m just really excited about it. The history of it, with the movie, everything that’s happened, I understand it was a long time ago, but it’s inspiring to think how they came back from that.”
Cox has been in contact with nearby Virginia Tech as well. To this point, however, the Hokies have yet to offer.
“I haven’t heard a ton from them,” Cox said. “We went to camp the past three years there, so hopefully I’ll go back and they’ll notice more. I mean, I love going to Virginia Tech games in whatever sport. I was at the Miami [basketball] game (March 8). I like how close it is, and the facilities are really impressive. That’s the best you can get.”
Cox said he’s talked most with offensive coordinator Brad Cornelsen, his area recruiter.
“He came last year to my school,” Cox said. “I really like him, and he seems like he’s a genuine guy. It was good talking with him.”
“Of course, since he played there and my mom went there, I’ve grown up a Tar Heel,” Ben Cox said. “I love UNC and it’s a great place to be. Ever since I was little, we went to games down there. I’d love to go there. Now that Mack (Brown) is back, they’re really going to turn things around.”
The younger Cox said he hopes to visit North Carolina, as well as Wake Forest and others later this spring and summer. His Richmond and William & Mary offers came after visits to each school.
“With Wake, I talked to (Special teams coordinator) Wayne Lineburg, so we have a good relationship,” Ben Cox said. “He’s come up multiple times. I went to camp there the last two years. Going down there would be good, and I’ll be back for camp. I know it’s a great school and they have super nice facilities. It’s a top-notch ACC school.”
Back from a spring break vacation with his family, Ben Cox said he plans to get back to work on and off the field.
“I’m just hitting the weight room as hard as I can,” he said. “I’m doing conditioning so I can be in great shape. I’ll play both ways next year, so I need to be in great shape. We run enough in practice that when we get to games, I’m good.”
Overall, though, Cox is waiting but ready. The first three offers came in a flurry, and it could happen that way again.
“I have some I really like,” Ben Cox said. “The main thing for me is just academics. That’s important because the next four years are more than just football.”
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Guessing he is UNC’s if they offer.
big offensive lineman with smarts…he should stay away from Chapel Hill ;>)
He should ask Mack Brown if it’s not too late to take fake classes.