SCOOBA — East Mississippi Community College sophomore defensive back Justin Cox knows there is a buzz around his recruitment.
However, the former West Point High School standout isn’t going to get consumed by it.
“I know there are a lot of colleges interested,” Cox said. “I am very excited about getting to play on the next level. But right now it is all about winning another national championship. I will worry about my future when the season is over.”
A season ago, Cox helped anchor a defense that was among the nation’s best and helped EMCC win its first national championship. Now, the national championship title defense is under way. EMCC will look for a 2-0 start at 6:30 p.m. Thursday when its travels to Decatur to face East Central C.C.
“We are a young team on offense,” said the 6-foot-3, 190-pound Cox. “But we have so many new players who have experience from other schools. On defense, we are going to be straight. Whether it is the line or the secondary, we are going to be real good on that side of the ball. We are excited to get started.”
Cox was the quarterback on a two-time state championship squad at West Point. A two-way player with the Green Wave, Cox worked hard to learn all of the nuances of playing safety in college. After making a splash with three interceptions in his junior college debut, Cox quickly found a home in Scooba.
“It was a season based on hard work,” Cox said. “That is what I learned when I first got here. During the summer, during sprints, during practice, in the weight room, in everything we did we went hard. There was no drop-off. There was never a minute we weren’t doing something to get better as a team.”
EMCC improved throughout the season. Starting with an initial preseason ranking of No. 16, EMCC won all nine regular-season games, two playoff games to secure a second state championship, and defeated Arizona Western College 55-47 in the El Toro Bowl in Yuma, Ariz., to capture the national championship.
EMCC quarterback Bo Wallace set numerous national and school passing records last season. The unsung heroes of the Lions squad may have been members of a defense that allowed a little more than 25 points per game.
“People did not fully realize the job our defensive unit did last season,” EMCC fifth-year coach Buddy Stephens said. “In this league, you play high-scoring games. However, a defensive unit can make that one stop or get one takeaway that changes the entire complexion of game.
“We had tremendous amount of talent on the defensive side of the ball. They made plays every week to win ballgames for us. Justin was a really big part of that. We are happy that he is back. He will be the anchor and the go-to guy on our defense this season.”
EMCC picked up where that team left off in last week. Cox again played a huge hand, as EMCC posted a second-half shutout en route to a 35-15 win against Pearl River C.C.
“It is another year and we have to leave the past alone,” said Cox, who had 67 tackles and a team-high five interceptions in 2011. “A lot of guys joined us this year because they want to play for the best. They know what this team is capable of doing. Last year, we worked hard and we tried to be the best we can be.
“The new players know we mean business down here in Scooba. They came to be a part of a national championship program. With that comes a high set of expectations. We expect to be playing for another national championship this season.”
Stephens said a large freshman class has bought into the EMCC philosophy. With leaders such as Cox setting the example, it is easier for them to follow. Last season’s success only helps solidify that belief system.
“When you have success, the young guys buy in right away,” Stephens said. “We get calls from all across the nation wanting to know if we had one more spot. Each team is different. The key to success is chemistry. Sometimes, that is more important than talent. We have talented players. We will have those every year.
“The challenge is players buying in and working together as a team. The young guys know the way we did things last year led to a championship. So, they are eager to learn and quick to buy in.”
Cox and his teammates bought in to the EMCC defensive mind-set right away. While Wallace and his offensive mates grabbed most of the headlines, the defense came ready to ring the bell each and every week.
“Watching Bo (Wallace) was amazing,” said Cox, who initially signed with Mississippi State University before enrolling at EMCC. “The things he could do on the football field were unreal. But to win a championship, you have to have a defense, too. Our goal was to make the stop on every possession. Our job was to find a way to keep the other team from scoring. Last year was a fun ride, and I thought everybody on the team really brought it.”
Cox hopes to take his skills to the next level. He hopes to follow in the footsteps of several Lions from last season, including Wallace, who is at the University of Mississippi, receiver Lacoltan Bester (University of Oklahoma), and lineman Denico Autry (MSU).
“Playing at EMCC has been an incredible experience,” Cox said. “I have learned so much about myself and about playing football. I can’t wait to see what is next after this season.”
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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