Marques Cox, Northern Illinois Offensive Tackle, Transfers to Kentucky

The Big Blue Wall just got bigger. Offensive tackle Marques Cox announced he will transfer from Northern Illinois to Kentucky. A five-year player for the Huskies, Cox will have just one remaining season of eligibility as a Super Senior.

“I would like to thank everyone that recruited me during this process,” Cox tweeted along with a picture with Vince Marrow. “After talking with my family, I’ve decided to commit to The University of Kentucky! #BBN”

I would like to thank everyone that recruited me during this process. After talking with my family, I’ve decided to commit to The University of Kentucky! #BBN pic.twitter.com/T9ykRC2a5r

— Marques R. Cox (@MonsterMarq) December 15, 2022

A 6-foot-6, 310-pound left tackle from Peoria, Ill., Cox was a three-star prospect in the class of 2018. He worked his way into a starting role by his redshirt sophomore season. His 33-game start streak was snapped this year after he suffered a season-ending injury at Kentucky.

Prior to his injury, Marques Cox had a ton of success at Northern Illinois. In 2021 the Huskies won the MAC and played in the Cure Bowl thanks to a rushing attack that finished fourth in the FBS with 241.1 rushing yards per game. Northern Illinois provided clean pockets for QB Rocky Lombardi, who was sacked just 10 times in 14 games. Cox was an All-MAC fourth team selection by Phil Steele.

In his career Cox has logged over 2,000 snaps at left tackle. Per PFF data, the left tackle has given up just three sacks in his career on 1,052 pass snaps. The Kentucky offensive line is adding invaluable experience at a position of need.

Marques Cox Kentucky Impact

Kentucky swung and missed on its transfer portal offensive tackle targets in 2021. They could not afford to make the same mistake again. Marques Cox is just what the Wildcats needed.

Cox can become a day-one starter at left tackle, allowing Kiyaunta Goodwin to continue to develop at his own pace and slide Kenneth Horsey back to his natural fit at offensive guard. A combination of Horsey, Jager Burton and Tanner Bowles is a formidable three for two guard positions. The one unknown variable is the health and stamina of Cox upon his return from injury.

The Big Blue Wall has to be better. Once the foundation of the offense, it was the weak link in 2022. The Wildcats made it a focus to improve via the transfer portal and they’re off to a great start by adding a talented, experienced left tackle early in the offseason.