Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cox Selected By Broncos In Fifth Round
April 24, 2010 | Cowboy Football
April 24, 2010
STILLWATER, Okla. - Oklahoma State cornerback Perrish Cox was selected by the Denver Broncos with the sixth pick of the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He was the 137th overall pick of the draft.
The NCAA leader in passes defended in 2009 and a first-team All-America by The Sporting News, Cox was a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award, which is given to the nation's top defensive back.
In addition to his prowess in the secondary, Cox was one of the most feared return men in the country throughout his career. As a true freshman in 2006, Cox returned the opening kickoff of the season - the first touch of his career -- for a touchdown. He went on to set Oklahoma State school records with four kickoff returns for scores and 2,804 kickoff return yards. During his time in Stillwater, Cox had 10 kickoff returns in excess of 50 yards and added two career punt returns for touchdowns.
"Perrish is a very talented player and he will be able to help a team in a variety of ways," Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said. "He's got good size and he makes plays."
Cox is the third Cowboy selected in this year's NFL Draft, as offensive lineman Russell Okung was the sixth overall pick to the Seattle Seahawks and receiver Dez Bryant was the 24th overall pick to the Dallas Cowboys.
A three-year starter at cornerback for Oklahoma State, Cox finished his college career with 134 tackles, 36 pass break-ups, 10 interceptions and two sacks. He averaged 23.97 yards per kick return and 11.6 yards per punt return. In addition to his four kick return and two punt return scores, Cox also blocked a field goal attempt in the 2008 Holiday Bowl.
He was part of one of the most successful senior classes in Oklahoma State history, helping lead the Cowboys to bowl games in each of his four years and back-to-back nine-win seasons as a junior and senior. OSU was ranked in the top 10 nationally in both 2008 and 2009 with Cox as a key member of the squad.
