re: Class of 2018 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: So Long Old Friend Edition

quote:

---

Alabama and Auburn are both in pursuit of elite defensive end Brenton Cox, but the Tide and Tigers have some work to do.

During Nike's The Opening Atlanta regional camp last weekend, Cox told AL.com that Georgia and Ohio State are recruiting him harder than any other school.

"I'm just trying to play early," said the 6-foot-4, 247-pounder from Stockbridge, Ga.

Cox is one of the highest-rated recruits in the nation. The 247Sports Composite ranks him as a four-star prospect, the No. 54 overall player and the No. 4 strong-side defensive end. He said he tallied more than 75 tackles last season including 30 sacks.

Aside from Georgia and Ohio State, Cox said Alabama, Auburn and South Carolina are in the mix.

Cox took his first visit to Auburn last week and spent three days on the Plains. He was able to attend spring practice where he caught up with defensive line coach Rodney Garner and his friend, redshirt freshman Antwuan Jackson Jr.

"I'd never been up there, but I know Coach Garner, and he's a real good d-line coach," Cox said. "It was a good thing watching him coach that d-line. I actually know Antwuan Jackson, just seeing him get coached up.

"It was good. Nothing really in Auburn but the team. Everybody talks to each other. You've got good food out there. A place called Halftime I ate at."

Cox is planning a series of visits to see spring games at South Carolina (April 1), Auburn (April 8), Ohio State (April 22) and Georgia (April 22). As for Alabama, he likes the defensive scheme the Crimson Tide run.

"I'd be in a 3-4 defense," he said. "Coach Tosh (Lupoi), he's a real good coach. I actually went to a camp and that's when I got the offer. He taught me some new moves I'll use today, actually... I'm just going to compete."

At The Opening Atlanta, Cox ran the 40-yard dash in 4.95 seconds, the shuttle in 4.45, he threw the powerball 39.5 feet and had a vertical jump of 28.6 inches.

"I'm definitely fast," he said. "(Coaches like) my speed, length and athleticism."

Auburn currently has one defensive lineman committed to its 2018 recruiting class -- three-star prospect Daquan Newkirk of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Alabama also has one, Jordan Davis of Southward High School in Memphis, Tenn. Both are consensus three-star prospects.

---

LINK

Kid spent half a day in Auburn and has already seen everything the town has to offer.