Jeremy Cox has rushed for 1,722 yards in his first three years at Old Dominion, the second most in school history behind only all-time leading rusher Ray Lawry. Cox’s 2017 season ended prematurely due to a shoulder injury but the big back is fully healed and ready for his final season at ODU.
“I feel great,” Cox said. “I want to stay at 230 pounds right now, trying to be in the best shape of my life. Last year I was about 215-220, but what I want to be more versatile and make myself better. At that weight I moved well, but the hits take a toll on your body.”
As the elder statesman of the running backs, Cox has learned to take care of his body to try and prevent the injury and stay on the field.
“It’s the process, being here for four years I’ve matured mentally and physically and taking care of your body is vital. It’s not about working out, everybody works out, every football program, that’s what they do, but stretching, hot and ice tubs, yoga, just taking care of your body, that makes you valuable.”
When he first got to Old Dominion, the North Carolina native had to adjust to the college game, not just on the field, but also his brain.
“I had to focus more. Where I came from, we ran no huddle, I-formation. When I got here and the transformation over the years, we run the no huddle but many different formations. The type of back I was, just running people over and not knowing much about the game of football,” Cox said. “Once I got here all that changed. What changed most for me was my focus, being tuned in and learning the defense and the offensive alignment and what they go through.”
One thing Cox has had to change his focus on his holding on to the football. In 409 career touches, Cox has lost just one fumble. Ball security is something Cox knew was important coming in.
“Ball security is job security,” Cox said. “That’s the way we go about it around here. If there are no fumbles, nine times out of 10 you’ll win or it will be a close game.”