PHILADELPHIA — Appalachian State University football senior running back Marcus Cox was one of 91 student-athletes to be named to the 80th annual Maxwell Award watch list.
In honor of Robert W. “Tiny” Maxwell, the Maxwell Award has been given to America's College Player of the Year since 1937. Maxwell's contributions to the game of football were extensive, including time as a player, a sportswriter and an official.
In 2015, the stud running back was ranked 13th in the nation in rushing yards per game (118.6), 17th in rushing yards (1,423) and 20th in all-purpose yards per game (131.92). The workhorse finished third in the Sun Belt in rushing yards and rushing yards per game. The fourth-year student-athlete ran for the century mark in eight of 12 games, including an impressive 24 carry, 162-yard performance in the Apps' come-from-behind Camellia Bowl win over Ohio, 31-29.
Cox is the lone student-athlete in program history to rush for at least 1,000 yards in his first three seasons. Following another solid season on the ground, Cox is set to break the all-time rushing record of 4,804 rushing yards, held by Kevin Richardson (2004-07), and Cox needs just one more game of 100 yards to break his his tie with John Settle (1983-86) for the most all-time at 23.
Cox is also just one of two student-athletes in history to average at least 100 yards per game with John Settle (102.5 ypg). After 2015, the ball carrier tops the list at 113.0 ypg for the highest in team history.
Joining Cox from the Sun Belt on the list are Georgia Southern running back Matt Breida, New Mexico State running back Larry Rose III and UL Lafayette running back Elijah McGuire. Cox is one of four student-athletes from the state of North Carolina on the list, as Matt Dayes (NC State-RB), Thomas Sirk (Duke - QB) and Elijah Hood (North Carolina - RB) represent North Carolina.
Coming off an impressive 11-2 campaign in 2015, the Mountaineers return 17 starters. App State opens up the 2016 season on the road against Tennessee in Knoxville on Thursday, Sept. 1.
Fans can also still enjoy the perks that come with being a Yosef Club member by joining for the 2016 membership year, which runs through Dec. 31, 2016. Yosef Club membership comes with access to exclusive seating and parking for Appalachian State football (at certain membership levels). Additionally, Yosef Club members at the $100 annual and above will be eligible to participate in July's single-game tickets pre-sale.
To join the Yosef Club today, click HERE or call the Yosef Club office at (828) 262-3108.
