Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, August 25, 1994 TAG: 9408250105
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: ATLANTA LENGTH: Medium
Cox, a senior from Baltimore, was a second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference performer last season, leading Tech with 111 tackles.
He believes he can improve this year by making more tackles for losses from his inside linebacker position.
``Our coverage will be a little different. We'll try to create more turnovers, try to pressure the offense. Last year we sort of sat back,'' he said.
``I don't think I had enough tackles behind the line last year. I need to make more big plays.''
Third-year coach Bill Lewis also knows the defense needs improving.
He brought in George O'Leary as defensive coordinator after Tech gave up 397 yards and 26 points a game a year ago in finishing 5-6 for the second consecutive season.
O'Leary had coached at Tech for five seasons under Bobby Ross, posting a 24-9-1 record his last three years, before leaving with Ross to join the NFL's San Diego Chargers after the 1991 season.
``He knows how to mold a winner. He knows how to win the big game,'' said Lewis.
``Coach O'Leary brings in a lot of things, including a new [defensive] package and the respect of the players,'' said Cox. ``The defense last year was not good.
``O'Leary demands a lot from the players and if you don't produce, you don't play. That kind of woke up a lot of players. I think the last couple of years we didn't play defense with intensity. He brings that along with an aggressive type of play.''
Cox's No. 1 priority this season is to return to a bowl game - something he has not been part of since he was a freshman in 1991. That year, Tech went 8-5, including an 18-17 win over Stanford in the Aloha Bowl. Cox was one of only four true freshmen to play that year, when he earned a reserve role and was in on 45 tackles.
``I came in and remember how it was to win and the last couple of years we weren't quite in charge,'' he said. ``Basically, we're determined that this year won't be like the last two years.''
``If we're going to have a decent season, Jamal will be one of the reasons,'' said Lewis. ``He's the leader of our defense. He's the one who makes the calls in the huddle and on the line of scrimmage.''
Tech will be tested early. The Yellow Jackets open the season against Arizona in a nationally televised game at home Sept. 1.
by CNB