NorCal FB stock heats up
Northern California is home for two-way standout Mario Cox (6-0, 210, 4.55). Cox is a versatile athlete who started both ways as a fullback and linebacker for El Cerrito, Calif. According to El Cerrito head coach George Austin, Cox has the talent to play either position on the D-I level.
Cox was selected first-team all-league as a fullback and second-team all-league as a linebacker.
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Though Cox started both ways, El Cerrito rested him some on defense. Still he racked up 34 tackles and picked off two passes (last games were unavailable).
On offense, Cox battered and bashed his way for 965 yards while averaging 7.1 yards per carry.
“Mario is a load when he’s running the football,” El Cerrito head coach George Austin said. “On this level, Mario is a man among boys.”
“No one wants to tackle him one-on-one,” Austin said. “He is tough as nails and even harder to bring down.”
As a linebacker, Cox is very aggressive and physical. He has a nose for the ball and very fast to the football.
Cox will attend the NIKE Camp to be held at Stanford, Saturday May 22nd.
Cox also has good bloodlines. According to Austin, Cox’s dad played football in college and even had a stint in the NFL. His brother is currently a starting linebacker for San Jose State.
Even though Cox is an outstanding fullback, he would prefer to play linebacker on the collegiate level.
Cox is an outstanding baseball player and he may end up being recruited in that sport. He has been a starter on the varsity squad since his sophomore season. He swings a big stick as a DH and third baseman.
Recruitment for his gridiron skills is just beginning to heat up. This week Washington and Oregon State have visited the El Cerrito campus. Utah was in last week.