Tulsa World: Up close: Perrish Cox

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Up close: Perrish Cox

OSU's Perrish Cox runs into the end zone during the Cowboys' 2007 game against Texas in Stillwater. Cox hopes for more kick-returning magic this week against the No. 1 Longhorns in Austin. JAMES GIBBARD/Tulsa World file

By MATT DOYLE World Sports Writer
Published: 10/22/2008 2:08 AM
Last Modified: 10/22/2008 3:03 AM

STILLWATER — Twice in his three-year Oklahoma State career, Perrish Cox's first kickoff return of the season has gone for a touchdown.

The OSU junior has made returning kicks an art form. Cox's 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in this year's season opener against Washington State was the third of his career.

Cox returned the opening kickoff of his freshman season in 2006 for a touchdown, and added another TD return last season against Kansas State.

His three TD kick returns are tied for the NCAA career lead among active plays.

After any big return or big play he makes, Cox crosses his forearms to form an "X." The gesture is to his father, Perrish Cox Sr., who watches from the stands.

"My father has been my role model since I started playing sports as a kid," he said.

"I heard from all my uncles how good my daddy was at sports. But after I was born, he dropped out of school and stopped playing sports to take care of me.

"Ever since I heard that, anything I do on the field I want to do it for him because of everything he did for me."

The native of Waco, Texas, leads the Big 12 Conference and ranks second nationally in kickoff return average at 32.6 yards.

How honored are you to be named after your father?

My father has been there for me my whole life. A lot of my friends and a lot of people I know didn't have fathers.

For my father to be there for me is a big-time thing for me.

On game days, you wear eye-black stickers with Waco's area code (254) and your mother's name (Carolyn) on them. What is the significance of that?

Waco is where I'm from, and that's where everything got started. If it weren't for everybody at home, I wouldn't be where I'm at today.

My mother isn't able to come to my games because she's taking care of my kids (Cox has three children). So I wear her name to honor her.

Do you remember the first time you returned a kickoff?

Yeah. It was my freshman year in high school. I fumbled it. I was a little scared. But by the time the second and third ones came around, it was all good from there.

Is returning kicks an attitude, a chance to show the opponents they can't stop you?

I look at it as a chance to help my team out. I always want to have a good return.

Once you take one kick back for a touchdown, do you always believe you're going to score on every one?

I think it's a 50-50 chance we're going to score on it. Once you take one back, it's an unbelievable feeling. It feels so good.

You get a swagger about you and feel that on the next one I'm going to take it back, too. That's a great feeling to have.

If there was no unsportsmanlike conduct penalty or punishment from the coaches, what would be your ultimate dream touchdown celebration?

I'd put on the brakes in the end zone and give it up to my daddy. Then I'd dunk the ball over the crossbar.

Get myself a little highlight on TV like Michael Jordan.

COX FACTS

Position: Cornerback/ kick returner

Class: Junior

Height: 6-1

Weight: 195

Hometown:Waco, Texas

Matt Doyle 581-8316
matt.doyle@tulsaworld.com By MATT DOYLE World Sports Writer

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