Name: Dakota Cox
College: New Mexico
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 230
Q: If you could describe your style of play in 3 words, what would they be?
Dakota: Physical, Relentless, Smart.
Q: How are you going to train/prepare this offseason in preparation for the draft or other pro opportunities?
Dakota: I have done my training at the University of New Mexico since I started training for pro day back in January. The strength staff has created a great workout program for me to prepare myself to not only get bigger, faster, and stronger, but also be ready for an opportunity in the NFL.
Q: If you could compare yourself to one current or former NFL player who would it be and why?
Dakota: I believe that the way I play most replicates Zach Thomas. He is a guy that had a very high football IQ. He played with a lot of intensity and was able to be very productive in his NFL career. I believe that the intensity I bring to the field combined with the football knowledge that I have relates to the way he played.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on or look for?
Dakota: When I watch film I look for tendencies that different players have. All football players have a certain way they play the game and the more you can understand their tendencies, the better you can play against them.
Q: What separates you from other players at your position?
Dakota: I am a linebacker that plays 100 mph all the time. I give full effort every play and play whistle to whistle. It has been my effort that has made me the player I am today. I also am very coachable and have a high football IQ. I believe it is all those qualities that has allowed me to lead my team in tackles 4 years in a row as well as pick up many All-Conference Awards. These things are what separates me from many others in the Linebacker position.
Q: What kind of abilities would you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
Dakota: I believe I am a unique player. I was a three-time team captain at UNM and a four-year starter. With that being said, I am one that always handles my business on and off the field. I was able to graduate in three years with my Finance Degree, and started working on my Masters Degree in Sports Administration, all while earning many Academic All-Conference Honors. I believe that my productive career shows my work ethic and my discipline that I put in to everything I do on and off the field, and I think that can help me succeed at the next level.
Q: What is your final pitch/sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
Dakota: I am a linebacker that is very versatile. I have four years of film to back up my quality numbers I put up at pro day. While being a four-year starter, I also started on many special teams, which shows that I can be productive in many spots in the NFL. I believe that with my effort that I give on every play and my love for the game, I would be a great contribution to any team.
I believe Dakota has so much love for the game, that he pours all his effort into every second he is on the field. Any team would be lucky to have him due to his commitment and athletic ability he would add as a very talented linebacker. He plays hard all the time and never disappoints. He is a leader and is capable of playing among the others at the NFL level. He has proven his abilities and ready for the next chapter of his career.