Oklahoma State University Athletics
NCAA Statistical Champion: Perrish Cox Passes Defended Per Game in 2009
June 30, 2022 | Cowboy Football
Heading into his senior season Perrish Cox was a known threat in the return game as he garnered All-America honors as a return specialist in 2008, but unproven on the defensive side of the ball.
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Cox changed that narrative after a summer full of video study and investment into working at the cornerback position. As the only returning starter in the Cowboy secondary in 2009, Cox stepped up beginning with a career performance in the season opener against Georgia.
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Lining up across from ALL-SEC receiver in A.J. Green, Cox held his own and played a large role in holding the future first-round NFL pick to four catches for 52 yards, while breaking up a career high four passes. He also showed why he was an All-America selection as a returner, setting up a touchdown with a 74-yard kickoff return to open the second half in the Cowboys' 24-10 victory in a top-15 showdown.
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Cox would continue to lock down opposing receivers as he recorded either a pass breakup or interception in 10 of the 11 games he played in. Following the season opener against the Bulldogs, Cox had multiple pass breakups in five games, including a three pass breakup game with two interceptions against Texas Tech.
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Registering 15 pass breakups four interceptions, Cox was among the nation's leaders in total passes defended, while leading the country with 1.7 passes defended per game. He would earn a spot on the All-Big 12 First Team as a defensive back and the second team as a returner.
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Cox changed that narrative after a summer full of video study and investment into working at the cornerback position. As the only returning starter in the Cowboy secondary in 2009, Cox stepped up beginning with a career performance in the season opener against Georgia.
Â
Lining up across from ALL-SEC receiver in A.J. Green, Cox held his own and played a large role in holding the future first-round NFL pick to four catches for 52 yards, while breaking up a career high four passes. He also showed why he was an All-America selection as a returner, setting up a touchdown with a 74-yard kickoff return to open the second half in the Cowboys' 24-10 victory in a top-15 showdown.
Â
Cox would continue to lock down opposing receivers as he recorded either a pass breakup or interception in 10 of the 11 games he played in. Following the season opener against the Bulldogs, Cox had multiple pass breakups in five games, including a three pass breakup game with two interceptions against Texas Tech.
Â
Registering 15 pass breakups four interceptions, Cox was among the nation's leaders in total passes defended, while leading the country with 1.7 passes defended per game. He would earn a spot on the All-Big 12 First Team as a defensive back and the second team as a returner.
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