Reports are out that Mississippi State Junior DT Fletcher Cox will forego his senior season in Maroon and White and enter the NFL Draft. This according to a New York Times article by Pete Thamel.
"God works in many ways," Cox said in a telephone interview. "He answered my prayer and I knew deep down in my heart it was time for me to go."
Cox played both defensive tackle and defensive end at Mississippi State, but said he expected to be evaluated as a tackle by N.F.L. teams. The ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay currently has Cox ranked as the 20th best player in the draft and the second best defensive tackle available behind Penn State's Devon Still.
He received a second-round draft grade by the NFL's Draft Advisory Committee.
Cox will definitely be missed on the State defensive line. He was the only Bulldog selected as first-team all SEC and was named player of the week numerous times.
Johnthan Banks Still Undecided
Mississippi State could also lose standout cornerback Johnthan Banks to the NFL draft. He led State in interceptions this year with 5. He is not projected as high in the draft as Cox.