In a list from The Athletic ranking the top-10 breakout candidates for the 2020 football season, Florida outside linebacker and Georgia transfer Brenton Cox Jr. was listed as the No. 3 player.
Cox Jr., a former five-star recruit, appeared in 13 games for UGA in 2018 before transferring to UF halfway through the 2019 season. He’s yet to make an appearance in the orange and blue, but he’s expected to contribute in 2020.
The Athletic article, which ranked former blue-chips who have yet to make a significant impact at the college level, said that Cox Jr. should stand out immediately on Florida’s defense.
Here’s the full segment about him.
Recruiting ranking: No. 23 overall, Class of 2018
Here’s another member of Georgia’s No. 1 ranked 2018 recruiting class who’s finally poised for a breakthrough. Cox left the program last August following a spring marijuana arrest and multiple clashes with the Bulldogs’ coaching staff in his first year in the program. The five-star had flashed his potential by the end of his freshman season there, starting in the Sugar Bowl loss to Texas and recording six stops. But his stint there lasted just 13 games. Cox put his name in the transfer portal at the start of preseason camp. One week later, he joined their rival.
Cox was not granted a waiver for immediate eligibility last fall. Florida coach Dan Mullen says he’d still like some transparency on why that was denied. He’s proud of how Cox handled his redshirt season on the scout team.
“He did nothing but work,” Mullen told reporters.
The Gators’ staff has high hopes for Cox and has been impressed by the 6-foot-4, 247-pound pass rusher’s versatility. He could fit right in as Jonathan Greenard’s replacement at the Buck position and can also line up in a few other spots. Florida has depth and talent up front, but Cox offers serious athleticism and upside. He should stand out right away. Between Cox, running back Lorenzo Lingard and receiver Justin Shorter, the Gators have added three transfers to the roster who were once top-100 prospects. We’ll see if a change in scenery is just what they needed to bounce back.
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