With Old Dominion University football practicing on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, ODUSports.com will provide exclusive feature stories and Q&A's throughout spring practice. Today we feature senior defensive tackle, Miles Fox.
Last season, the Old Dominion University football team had an up and down year. After starting strong and winning their first two games, the Monarchs struggled a bit towards the middle of the season. However, despite their early troubles, ODU was able to bounce back and finish the year strong by winning three of their last four games.
Although the Monarchs had a rollercoaster season, defensive tackle Miles Fox proved to be a steady and reliable force in the middle of the defensive line. Fox set personal bests in three separate categories in 2017. The 6-1, 292lb tackle out of Collins Hill High School racked up a career high in sacks (5.5), tackles (57), and tackles for a loss (9). Fox started all 12 games for the Monarchs, and finished the season leading the defensive line in tackles, second on the team in sacks, and third in tackles for a loss. Despite setting career bests in three different areas, Fox still felt there was room for improvement for both himself and his teammates. That’s what he’s focused on this offseason.
“Well, you can always get better. I’m always trying to just do the little things right everyday to be the best that I can be. You know, I want to be more dominant this year, and I want to help the guys around me grow more so we can be great as one,” Fox explained. “I want to be a better leader, just help the guys do the little things right. You know, anytime you do something it’s always to small details you want to focus on.”
Hard work is nothing new for the senior from Lawrenceville, Georgia, as he has worked to increase his output in sacks, tackles, and tackles for a loss in each of his three seasons at Old Dominion. Fox has also been very reliable and durable during his time with the Monarchs, playing in at least 11 games in each of his three years at ODU. His production on the field has not gone unnoticed, as Fox received a C-USA Honorable Mention this past season. However, this was not the first time Fox was recognized by the conference for his achievements.
Throughout his time at ODU, Fox has been an outstanding football player for the Monarchs, but he also leads by example in another area – his academics. During his freshman year with Old Dominion, Fox was named the C-USA’s Commissioner’s Honor Roll for the 2015 season. The true definition of a student-athlete, Fox – who’s majoring in communications with a minor in sport management – actually spends most of his free time doing something that might surprise most people.
“I like to write. A lot of people don’t know that. I love to write. I like to play video games, I like to watch movies, but mostly I love writing.”
Now that spring practices are beginning, Fox will look to get back to his favorite hobby – playing football. As he prepares for his senior season, one thing is for sure, Fox will continue to try to dominate both on the field and in the classroom.