Georgia freshman Brenton Cox offseason plan: ‘We have to step up, grow up fast’

NEW ORLEANS — Georgia outside linebacker said Brenton Cox is ready to take on leadership and more accountability after making his first career start in the Sugar Bowl.

“We have to step up, grow up fast,” Cox said, asked about the Bulldogs’ No. 1-ranked recruiting class of 2018 and where it goes after one season in the program. “We have to work, me and my boys were just talking about that, it’s basically our team now.”

Cox produced six tackles and a TFL after starting in place of All-SEC outside linebacker and sacks leader D’Andre Walker in the 28-21 loss to Texas last Tuesday night.

“I felt like I was ready, we practiced hard enough, and I felt like I was next man up,” said Cox, a former 5-star recruit from Stockbridge, Ga. “We prepared hard, sometimes you just come up short, no matter how hard you prepare.”

Cox said he is ready to get focused on the offseason, recognizing he has more work to do in the weigh room and on the football field.

“I want to get bigger stronger and work on my technique,” Cox said. “I was 250 pounds when I got here, and I might go into next season at 257.”

Cox, who played in 13 games and finished with 20 tackles and a sack, said he appreciated the opportunity to learn behind UGA sacks leader Walker.

“I watched all of his techniques, the way he was doing things,” Cox said. “He showed me a smoother way to do things, and the smarter way.”

Georgia started five freshman against Texas along with five seniors.

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