NFL Combine: Perrish Cox interview

Oklahoma State cornerback Perrish Cox was suspended for the Cotton Bowl after missing curfew two nights before the game in Dallas. He talked Sunday to the NFL Combine media about his draft status and how the suspension will affect his future.

What experience did you get from playing in the Army All-American game?

“It says a lot. You basically got picked among some of the top high school football players in the country. That was the start of my career.”

Do you still see a lot of those guys here?

“I do. I do. A lot of ‘em. We’ve got a good relationship. During our college careers, kept up with each other. The Facebook thing that’s going on. We’ve got a good relationship going.”

How much do they ask you about the suspensions?

“That’s one of the main things they harass with me. It’s kind of tough. I’m used to it. It was a mistake. Something I did wrong. I shouldn’t have left in the first place. I’ve gotten used to it. I kind of knew that was going to happen.”

What do you do to ease their concerns?

“I tell them straight up, it was my fault. I shouldn’t have left. I take all the blame for it. Coach did what he had to do. He wanted to suspend me for the game. I had to accept it. If I wouldn’t have left, it wouldn’t have happened. I take all the blame for it.”

What is your response to their response?

“Half of them give me a hard time about it. It gets kind of tough whenever they give me a hard time. I listen to what they have to say, because I know they ain’t doing nothing but telling me right. Some of ‘em, they tell you, you accepted the punishment. Next time, you know, it won’t happen, well, there won’t be a next time. They just remind me of the whole situation.”

How do they harass you?

“They kind of harass me a lot. They say if you was to come, would you be able to help us out, would you be able to do that for us. But they kind of say it in a tough way. I know they do it to see how I react to it. I’m kind of used to it.”

Does that make you mad?

“I don’t get angry at all. I gotta accept the punishment. My punishment, if you want to argue about it, I can live with it.”

Did you play press coverage at Oklahoma State?

“It depended on the play call. We kind of mixed it up a lot, playing man coverage, cover four. I’m in the lot call. Just mix it up. 50-50.”

Can special teams separate you from other players?

“You could say that. These days, special teams wins games for you. It’ll change the game. Change the whole aspect of a game. Gets your team going. Gets your team pumped up. I think it does.”

(inaudible question; I think it was about what other players he looks up to)

“My team. Other 10 guys around me. It all starts with them. Without them, it wouldn’t have happened at all.”

What teams have talked to you?

“Actually, I’ve met with five teams. Baltimore, 49ers, Green Bay Packers, St. Louis. And also, one more, I can’t think of it right now. The Saints.”