Derek Cox
No headshot available
Career Summary
Derek Cox was a William & Mary cornerback selected by Jacksonville in the 2009 NFL Draft.
The Winterville, North Carolina native became one of the most highly drafted players in Tribe football history.
Section reviewed
Sources for this section
Early Life
Cox is from Winterville, North Carolina.
William & Mary identified Cox as a Winterville native.
Section reviewed
Sources for this section
High School
Cox attended J.H. Rose High School.
He helped J.H. Rose win the 2003 North Carolina 4A state championship and played running back, defensive back, wide receiver and kick returner.
Section reviewed
Sources for this section
College Career
Cox was a four-year William & Mary starter and two-time All-CAA cornerback.
He finished with 173 tackles, 29 passes defended, nine interceptions and two punt-return touchdowns in 43 games.
Section reviewed
Sources for this section
Path to the NFL
Jacksonville selected Cox in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
The Jaguars traded up to choose him 73rd overall, making him the second-highest draft pick in William & Mary history.
Section reviewed
Sources for this section
NFL Career
Cox played seven NFL seasons and began with Jacksonville from 2009 through 2012.
As a Jaguars rookie, he tied for second among NFL rookies with four interceptions; he played for five teams over his professional career.
Section reviewed
Career Accomplishments
Cox was named an alternate for the 2010 Pro Bowl.
His rookie season produced four interceptions, and his 2010 season included a team-leading three interceptions for Jacksonville.
Section reviewed
Playing Style
Cox was an athletic cover corner with closing speed and open-field tackling ability.
William & Mary described him as quick, athletic and a solid open-field tackler, and he also contributed as a punt returner.
Section reviewed
Sources for this section
Legacy
Cox entered the William & Mary Athletics Hall of Fame in 2020.
His Hall profile highlights his two-time captaincy, program records and standing as the school's second-highest NFL draft pick.
Section reviewed
Sources for this section
22460, 00-0027047, 1986-09-22, Derek Cox, Derek, Cox
MFT PLAYER RANKINGS
Current player ranking
Compare current players by position using the transparent MFT statistical model.