UK Athletics Photo
With the struggles Kentucky’s offensive line had last season, it might seem a bit odd that senior Eli Cox has been named to multiple preseason all-Southeastern Conference teams.
Cox moved from guard to center last season but now has been moved back to right guard by returning offensive coordinator Liam Coen — the same spot Coen had him playing in 2021 when the Cats won 10 games.
“He was a mid-year all-American first team guard in 2021 until he got hurt,” former UK quarterback Freddie Maggard, a Kentucky Sports Radio football analyst, said. “He was good last year but just did not have the reach at times.
“The move back to his natural position and letting him operate where he is more comfortable is why he’s being picked so high in the preseason.”
Maggard likes the journey Cox has had from unknown West Jessamine High School player to all-SEC player.
“Eli Cox is a living story of the legacy of (former UK offensive line coach) John Schlarman. He was barely a three-star (recruit),” Maggard said. “I thought it was a stretch to sign him but I was all for giving a local kid a chance.
“He has worked as hard or harder than anybody in the building to develop himself into a potential future pro. He’s a great leader and student. He is everything you want in a teammate and player.
“I am so proud of what he has done. Nothing has come easy but it shows the genius of John Schlarman to have seen this in Eli. It’s very heartwarming for me to see how this has played out.”
2 Responses
8 days and counting. Go cats!
When Lynn Bowden, Jr. was playing qb, we got to Commonwealth Stadium early and the Cats were warming up. It was a cold, wet night and we were bundled up. There was a guy on the field w/o a shirt watching the guys run/catch, etc. When I got my binocs out, I saw that it was Schlarman. Man was tougher than nails. ALWAYS led by example! So rare. GO CATS!!