#BestOfThe2000s: Dakota Cox

@UNMLoboFB on Twitter

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The second of four votes for the #BestOfThe2000s search for the top four linebackers is over, and much like it was when he prowled Dreamstyle Stadium, his opponents didn’t stand much of a chance.  Dakota Cox, who played for UNM from 2013-2016 and was named the 2016 Gildan New Mexico Bowl Defensive Player of the Game, earned a landslide victory to be named the second linebacker to the #BestOfThe200s squad.

Cox, who despite tearing an ACL at the end of 2014, was one of UNM’s most durable and endearing starts, picked up a whopping 78.7% of the vote, topping Billy Strother (9.6), Fola Fashola (6.1%) and Gary Davis (5.5%).  Overall, 343 votes were cast by Lobo fans, meaning Cox picked up 270 votes.  By finishing second, Strother advanced to the next poll, the second straight time he has finished second.  The next poll, along with Strother, features Nick Speegle, Carmen Messina and Mike Mohoric.  Once again, the person in second will advance to the final ballot, and the winner will be the third member of the team.
 

Congratulations to the second LB on the #BestOfThe2000s, Dakota Cox (@dakotacox49), who joins Dallas Bollema! Additionally, Billy Strother finished second and will advance to the next poll, which will be announced at 1 p.m. #GoLobos pic.twitter.com/34Fi7f3eM4

— New Mexico Football (@UNMLoboFB) March 23, 2020

The series is a way to engage Lobo fans with the current situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cox is the only Lobo in school history to lead the team in tackles in four straight seasons, and at the time he was just the 14th FBS player to accomplish the feat.  He finished his career with 403 tackles, a total that ranks him sixth all-time at UNM.  He was named the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week as a sophomore for his play against New Mexico State, a game which included a key interception in UNM’s 38-35 win.  He also was named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week in the season opener of the 2016 season against South Dakota.
 

Two LBs in, two to go. Who will be the third #BestOfThe2000s linebacker to join Dallas Bollema and Dakota Cox? Winner is in, second place moves to the final vote. This poll closes at noon tomorrow. #GoLobos

— New Mexico Football (@UNMLoboFB) March 23, 2020

The first three-time captain in school history, Cox was an honorable mention FWAA Freshman All-America selection in 2013.  He was a four-time Mountain West All-Academic selection and a 2014 First Team All-MW pick.  His 12.9 tackles per game in 2014  made him just the second Lobo in school history to lead the nation in tackles per game and he twice won the Colonel H.J. Golightly award as the top defensive player on the team.

For his career, he racked up 403 tackles, 20.0 TFLs including 7.0 sacks, three interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

#BestOfThe2000s Team (Selected by the Fans)