Kentucky's Eli Cox named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week
The Big Blue Wall has looked much improved through two games in 2023 compared to all of 2022, and fans can thank veteran Eli Cox for helping with the turnaround.
On Monday, Cox was named the Southeastern Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week for his efforts in the trenches during Kentucky’s 28-17 win over Eastern Kentucky on Saturday. The Wildcats’ offensive line as a whole gave us just one sack against the Colonels while helping the running back room total 115 yards on the ground.
But Cox was especially impressive. Across 55 snaps played, the Nicholasville (KY) West Jessamine product finished with an overall Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 70.1 on the offensive line, including an 84.9 grade in terms of pass blocking. He recorded five knockdown blocks throughout the game. This is the second time that Cox, a redshirt senior, has won the award after he received the same honor following UK’s 42-21 win over LSU in 2021.
“He’s just such a solid guy,” Head coach Mark Stoops said about Cox during Monday’s press conference. “Great leader. One of those guys that’s just a rock, an anchor. You just expect him to be out there playing well at whatever position.”
It’s no shock to see Cox picking up midseason hardware already. He was tabbed to the Preseason Coaches All-SEC Third Team and is one of the Wildcats’ longest-standing presence on the offensive line. Cox represented Kentucky at SEC Spring Meetings and SEC Media Days earlier this year and was also named a team captain prior to the start of the season.
Through two games this season, Cox has been as reliable as ever on the line. The starting right guard has already played 109 snaps for the ‘Cats without giving up a sack. Kentucky’s offense ranks fourth in the SEC in both yards per play (6.9) and rushing yards per attempt (5.3). Against EKU, he did not allow so much as a quarterback hurry or give up a penalty while playing both the right guard and center positions.
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