Miles Fox has enjoyed a solid career so far in his first three years at Old Dominion, enjoying his best season in 2017 as a junior, notching career-highs with 57 tackles, nine tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. Fox was a sought after recruit for the Monarchs, receiving interest from Arizona State, Georgia Tech and a late offer from Iowa, but Fox has also always had his doubters due to his size.
At 6-1, 292 pounds Fox has always had to prove to coaches and scouts that he had what it took to play FBS, and that continued a few weeks ago when the preseason All-Conference USA team was announced and Fox was not on it.
“I use it as motivation more so than disrespect. I’ve always been an under the radar guy, I always love to prove people wrong it’s one thing I’ve kept a chip on my shoulder for,” Fox said. “I’ve heard since high school that I’m not tall enough, that I wouldn’t be a good defensive tackle because I didn’t have the length. I always used that as motivation.”
Despite the questions about his size, Fox drummed up recruiting interest, including a late offer from Iowa.
“The process was stressful, one of the most stressful times in my left. Two weeks before signing day Iowa offered me. I committed to Old Dominion in June and I wanted to stay firm in my commitment, but my high school coaches told me it couldn’t hurt to visit. I wanted to stay open-minded but knowing I was still committed to ODU.”
Ultimately, Fox stayed with the Monarchs and ODU head coach Bobby Wilder’s family atmosphere was at the top of the list why.
Part of that family is defensive line coach, Jeff Comissiong. Comissiong is beginning his sixth season at Old Dominion and has been a big part of Fox’s development.
“He really cares. He really pushed me and just wants me to be the best player I can be,” Fox said. “He’s very detail orientated and I love that. I didn’t like it at first when I was a freshman because he would always get on me but he was trying to get everything out of me.”
Heading into his final season with the Monarchs, Fox and his 21 senior teammates are looking to make lasting memories like two years ago when the squad played in the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl.
“We have to utilize our talent. We have too much talent not to make a bowl game,” Fox added. “We have to stay disciplined and hold each other accountable.”