Ever since he was playing for coach Rick Darlington at Apopka High School in Apopka, Florida, Chandler Cox, now a junior H-back for Auburn, has always been known as the "energy guy."
For those unfamiliar with the term, "energy guy" is a label given to players who bring excitement, hard work and an extra effort to both on the field and off. Energy guys are usually the loudest, most vocal players in practice and have exceptional passion for the game which in turn, make them ideal leaders to their teammates.
Cox's goal since he set foot on campus in 2015 was to become a leader for the Auburn football team and now, in his junior year, has done just that.
"I'm a junior now, I've stepped into that role to become a leader and I'm super excited for that," Cox said. "For the guys that just came in, some of the younger guys, even the guys at different positions, I'm trying to lead by example."
While Cox admits he gets a lot of grief from all the yelling and energy he brings to practice he says he won't change his ways.
"That's just who I am, I love it when it's loud out there," Cox said. "I believe that helps the team out a lot, because in football you can't be a dead team."
Being the energy guy on the field can be hard, all that yelling and screaming can be taxing for a players voice. Cox confesses he often does lose his voice but says he doesn't really worry about it.
"I don't really do anything for it (losing his voice), I go to sleep, wake up the next day and it's back," a smiling Cox said.
Being the energy guy has never been hard for the Auburn back, "That just who I've always been, that's how I was raised," Cox said.
When it comes to bringing energy both on and off the field, Cox's relationship with Auburn quarterback and roommate, Jarrett Stidham is the perfect example.
Cox has taken the role into molding Stidham, a sophomore transfer from Baylor into an "Auburn man."
"He's a great guy, I enjoy his presence and I am always with him," Cox said.
Cox revealed that he and Stidham are often motivating each other to get better and energizing one another off the field.
"Sometimes even in our rooms, he's laying in his bed and I'm laying in mine and he hears me scream and I scream back, that's how we get it going." Cox said.
Cox knows that fullback isn't typically the position of a leader but admits that his experience as a quarterback in high school has helped him transform into a leader at Auburn.
"My coach told me you can always be a leader and that's what I've tried to be ever since my freshman year," Cox said.
Being the energy role isn't easy but it's often essential to a successful football team. Having that kind of leader in the locker room should benefit Auburn come game time. Chandler Cox knows how important his role is to the team and plans to keep bringing energy and leadership on and off the field.
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