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Overview
A classic 'tweener, Cox started the final 24 games of his career at cornerback, but lacks the speed and smooth hip turn scouts are looking for at the position, making a switch to safety likely. The concern, however, is that while Cox is big and athletic to make this move, he isn't particularly instinctive and is only a marginal open-field tackler.
With NFL bloodlines (cousins Torrie Cox, Marcus Hudson and Roscoe Parrish are current NFL players), Cox has shown enough to warrant a late-round pick, though his play leveled off in 2007 after he flashed upon the scene as a junior, earning "Most Improved Defensive Player" accolades.
Analysis
Positives: Good size for corner ... Athletic build with room for another 10 pounds of muscle mass without a significant loss of quickness ... Versatile defender who has seen action at cornerback, safety and throughout the special teams'units ... Named "Most Improved Defensive Player" in 2006 playing opposite future first-round pick Darrelle Revis ... Plays with effort and has enough tools to warrant future development.
Negatives: Classic 'tweener ... Lacks the speed to remain at cornerback in a man-to-man scheme and isn't the forceful tackler or instinctive player to translate well into zone ... Flashes some duck and swipe in his tackling, though he plays with good effort and generally gets his guy on the ground ... Not an explosive hitter for a defensive back of his size ... Struggles to get off blocks ... Has build-up speed, but lacks a true second gear.
Career Notes
Started the final 24 games of his career, finishing with a total of 98 tackles ... Named team's Most Improved Defensive Player in 2006.
High School
Three-year starter at Miami Killian, playing diverse roles for the Florida 6A (largest classification) school ... Started at quarterback as a senior and led team to an 11-1 record, the district championship and state playoffs ... Miami Killian's Most Valuable Player as a senior ... Started at wide receiver as a junior and sophomore, averaging more than 20 yards per catch ... Team went 10-3 his junior season, capturing the district championship and advancing to the state playoffs ... Selected to play in the Dade-Broward County All-Star Game ... Played for Coach Billy Rolle, who also coached former Pitt standouts and current NFL players Torrie Cox (Kennard's cousin) and Antonio Bryant.
Personal
Kennard Devane Cox, born 8/17/85, is the son of Marilyn Cox ... Has one sister ... Communication and rhetoric major.
