Initially, the fact that was Mississippi State safety Justin Cox received an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine was a surprise.
His performance in Indianapolis, Indiana, was anything but.
Cox, a former Class 5A state champion at West Point High School and a junior college All-American at East Mississippi Community College, shined in his time in the spotlight Monday morning when defensive backs took the field.
After spending the past month and a half at Training Farm, the Aventura, Florida, facility aimed at helping players prepare for the NFL draft, Cox turned in a 40-yard dash time of 4.36 seconds, which was the fastest among safety prospects, and the second-fastest time among all defensive backs at the event.
That speed impressed scouts, even if it was a slight letdown for Cox.
“He was disappointed a little with that time,” said P.J. Augustine of NextD1Prospect.com, Cox’s manager. “He can do better than that. In training, he was running in the 4.2 range. He can do better, but we are still pleased.”
Cox recorded a broad jump of 10 feet, 9 inches, which was first among safety prospects. He had a vertical leap of 38 inches, tied for third among safeties. His time of 11.2 seconds in the 60-yard shuttle led all safeties, while his time of 7.05 in the three-cone shuttle drill was the eighth-best mark for his position.
On Sunday, Cox measured in at just under 6-foot-1 and weighed 192 pounds.
The performance was the latest step in Cox’s comeback. The West Point native was suspended for the final three games of his MSU career after a Nov. 25, 2014, arrest for domestic violence.
That charge was later dropped at the request of the victim, and he received his invitation to the NFL Combine on Jan. 16.
Cox isn’t expected to participate in MSU’s Pro Day on March 4 at the Seal Football Complex. The event will give MSU’s prospects a chance to perform in front of NFL scouts and coaches.
Augustine said he is looking into alternate arrangements for Cox.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brandon Walker on Twitter @BWonStateBeat
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