New face mixes into Mizzou’s running back corps

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The driving force of Mizzou's rushing offense is undoubtedly senior Tyler Badie, however, walk-on running back Michael Cox is becoming more and more of an option for Eli Drinkwitz's offense.

The redshirt freshman walked on to the team in 2020.

“Just as we were nearing the season, you know, as I was training in the offseason coming out of my senior year in high school, you know, I just came to the decision that I wanted to be a Tiger at Mizzou," he said.

Cox is no stranger to hard work. He attended Holy Innocents' Episcopal School in Atlanta, Georgia, where he played single-a private school football for four years. In his time with the Golden Bears, Cox led the charge for the program's first trip to the final four.

Despite being named the 2019 Recruit Georgia Player of the Year and becoming a two-time AJC All-State team member, Cox only received one Power-Five offer from Rutgers University.

"A lot of what I did in high school, people were undermining because they were saying, ‘well, it’s just single-a private, so the amount of talent you’re going against isn’t comparable to big, 5A high schools,'" he said. "I did play with a chip because I felt like I did have more to prove. I felt like I was capable of playing in the SEC."

On Sept. 18, Cox fought hard enough to earn some snaps against Southeast Missouri State. In that game, he scored his first collegiate touchdown for the Tigers.

“He’s definitely worked his butt off and being a walk-on he’s got a chip on his shoulder," quarterback Connor Bazelak said. "He's done a great job. I expect him to get more carries and help this team in the future."

Mizzou already gave the walk-on another opportunity in its trip up to Boston College. Cox ran in his second-career touchdown in that game.

"Everyday, especially for a walk-on, is like a tryout," he said. “So I’m working to put my film together and show everything that I can showcase my abilities on tape.” 

Cox already has 78 yards and two touchdowns through the first four games of the 2021 season.