Jabril Cox

Jabril Cox (born April 16, 1998) is an American football linebacker for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Dakota State, where he won three FCS championships and was named the MVFC defensive player of the year before playing the 2020 season with LSU.

Jabril Cox
No. 41 – Washington Commanders
Position:Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1998-04-16) April 16, 1998
Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:235 lb (107 kg)
Career information
High school:Raytown South (Raytown, Missouri)
College:
NFL Draft:2021 / Round: 4 / Pick: 115
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Roster status:Practice squad
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of 2022
Total tackles:8
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Early years

Cox grew up in Kansas City, Missouri and attended Raytown South High School. As a sophomore, he was a two-way starter at linebacker and wide receiver, tallying 101 tackles (13 tackles for loss), 509 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns, while receiving All-conference honors on defense.[1]

As a junior, he was named the starter as a dual-threat quarterback, posting 1,300 passing yards, 17 passing touchdowns and 830 rushing yards, while earning All-district and All-conference honors. He suffered a torn ACL injury during the season.

As a senior, he posted 2,103 passing yards, 18 passing touchdowns, 1,004 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. During his career he also played as a safety and cornerback.[2][3] He was a four-year starter for the basketball and baseball teams.

College career

Cox accepted a football scholarship from North Dakota State University. As a redshirt freshman, he was converted into a linebacker.[4] He appeared in all 15 games with 8 starts, registering 75 tackles (led the team), 13 tackles for loss (led the team), 4.5 sacks, 6 quarterback hurries, 3 pass breakups and 3 fumble recoveries. In the sixth game against Youngstown State University, he replaced an injured Chris Board and had 3 sacks. He made 13 tackles (7 solo) in the semifinal 55–13 win over Sam Houston State University. He was named second-team All-MVFC and the conference Newcomer of the Year.[5]

As a sophomore, he was named the conference Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-MVFC, after recording 15 starts, 91 total tackles (led the team), 9.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 7 quarterback hurries and 4 interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.[6] He had 10 tackles in the FCS second round playoff 52–10 win over Montana State University.

As a junior, he started 15 games, making 92 tackles (led the team), 57 solo tackles (second in school history), 9.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 5 quarterback hurries, one interception and 6 pass breakups. He missed the eleventh game against the University of South Dakota with an injury. He had 8 tackles in the quarterfinal 9–3 win over Illinois State University and in the championship 28–20 win over James Madison University. He was named first-team All-MVFC for a second straight season, as well as a third-team All-American by the Associated Press.[7] He finished the season fourth in school history with 158 career solo tackles and fifth with 190 career interception return yards. He contributed to his team winning three straight FCS Championships and having a 45-1 overall record. He finished his career with the Bisons with 38 starts in 45 games, 258 tackles (32 tackles for loss), 14 sacks, 6 interceptions and scored two defensive touchdowns. It was reported in the media, that he played the last part of the season with a torn labrum that required surgery in the offseason.

In 2020, he moved on to Louisiana State University as a graduate transfer, looking to improve as a player.[8] He was one of the few bright spots on a team that struggled to a 5-5 overall record, after winning the CFP Championship the previous season. He collected 58 tackles (third on the team), 6.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one fumble recovery, 8 pass breakups and 3 interceptions (one returned for a 14-yard touchdown). He had a sack and returned an interception 14 yards for a touchdown in the season opening 34–44 loss against Mississippi State University.[9] He had 9 tackles against the University of Alabama. Following the season, Cox announced he would enter the 2021 NFL Draft.[10]

Professional career
Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand span
6 ft 3+1⁄4 in
(1.91 m)		 232 lb
(105 kg)		 32+3⁄8 in
(0.82 m)		 9 in
(0.23 m)
All values from Pro Day[11][12][13][14]

Dallas Cowboys

Cox was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round (115th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft.[15] He signed his rookie contract on May 20, 2021.[16] During a Week 8 game against the Minnesota Vikings, Cox suffered a right knee injury in the third quarter while covering a punt. On November 1, 2021, the MRI revealed Cox suffered a torn ACL. Cox was subsequently placed on the season-ending injured reserve. He appeared in 7 games, making one defensive tackle and one special teams tackle.

In 2022, he recovered from his ACL injury and returned to action midway through the season, appearing in 9 games. He was passed on the depth chart by rookie and former LSU teammate Damone Clark and played mostly on special teams, making 2 tackles. He played his most defensive snaps in the season finale against the Tennessee Titans.

In the 2023, preseason, he was part of a deep defensive unit and wasn't able to earn a roster spot. He was waived on August 29, 2023.[17]

Washington Commanders

Cox signed with the Washington Commanders' practice squad on August 31, 2023.[18]

References
  1. Dixon, Shea (April 9, 2020). "Family, Faith and Football: The Jabril Cox Story". 247sports.com. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
  2. Miller, Brody (April 4, 2020). "From one champion to another, Jabril Cox is ready for his next challenge at LSU". The Athletic. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  3. "FCS Football: Emergence of Jabril Cox has NDSU Defense at its Best". HEROSports.com. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  4. Dixon, Shea (April 9, 2020). "Family, Faith and Football: The Jabril Cox Story". 247Sports.com. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  5. Olson, Max (March 4, 2020). "Meet North Dakota State's Jabril Cox, the transfer portal's new most wanted man". The Athletic. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  6. Couzin, Nick (August 1, 2019). "NDSU FB's Jabril Cox Named to Buck Buchanan Award Watch List". KVRR.com. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  7. Scarborough, Alex (April 2, 2020). "FCS All-American LB Jabril Cox transferring to LSU". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  8. Armstrong, Megan (April 2, 2020). "2-Time FCS All-American Jabril Cox Transfers to LSU from North Dakota State". Bleacher Report. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  9. Mills, Richie (September 29, 2020). "Jabril Cox: performance Saturday let people know "I can keep up with the big dogs"". WGNO.com. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  10. Schlabach, Mark (January 3, 2021). "LB Jabril Cox turning pro after one season with LSU Tigers". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 6, 2021.
  11. "Jabril Cox Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  12. "Jabril Cox, LSU, OLB, 2021 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football". draftscout.com. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  13. "Dallas Cowboys select LSU Tigers linebacker Jabril Cox with No. 115 pick in 2021 draft". NFL.com. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  14. "Jabril Cox 2021 NFL Draft Profile". insider.espn.com. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  15. Phillips, Rob (May 1, 2021). "How Jabril Cox Adds More Versatility At LB". DallasCowboys.com.
  16. "Dallas Cowboys Sign Rookies Jabril Cox & Josh Ball to 4-Year Contracts". MSN.com. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
  17. Harris, Nick (August 29, 2023). "Cowboys announce 36 roster moves ahead of regular season". DallasCowboys.com. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  18. "Commanders sign LB Jabril Cox to practice squad amid several roster moves". Commanders.com. August 31, 2023. Retrieved August 31, 2023.
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