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High school football transfer | Rome Cox returns to GlenOak from Canton South

CANTON — JeRome "Rome" Cox is no stranger to GlenOak High School. In fact, that’s where he started his high school career. Now he is back as a Golden Eagle after being part of the historic Canton South team that went undefeated in the regular season and made it through to the state semifinals for the first time in program history.

While enrolling back to GlenOak was a family decision, Cox felt rejoining the Golden Eagles was best for him. It didn’t take too long for the upcoming senior to get acquainted with his teammates since he knew most of them already, including their returning quarterback, Adrion “Milk” Burt. 

“Honestly it was just a transfer, a decision that my dad made and felt was necessary,” Cox told The Canton Repository. “I’ve also played with Milk a lot of my life when it comes to sports so we kind of already have that brother bond on and off the field. Other than that, I mean, this is my home school, so that’s basically all there is to it.”

Canton South running back Rome Cox celebrates a second quarter touchdown with Luke Johnson and Joe Meyer at Northwest. Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.
Canton South running back Rome Cox celebrates a second quarter touchdown with Luke Johnson and Joe Meyer at Northwest. Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.

Cox, who wasn’t the original starter at the beginning of the 2023 season, enjoyed a breakout junior season, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards and scoring 17 touchdowns. The 5-foot-11, 225-pound back also played linebacker and recorded more than 100 total tackles along with 15 tackles for loss and a forced fumble, earning in earning All-Pac 7 honors.

GlenOak coach Scott Garcia is excited to have Cox back on the roster and expects him to play both ways like he did back at Canton South.

Canton South quarterback Poochie Snyder hands off the ball to running backs Rome Cox during the first half against West Branch in Division IV regional semifinal at Louisville Leopard Stadium. Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.
Canton South quarterback Poochie Snyder hands off the ball to running backs Rome Cox during the first half against West Branch in Division IV regional semifinal at Louisville Leopard Stadium. Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.

“He’s a kid that we think a lot of,” Garcia said. “He’s a good student. He’s a hard worker and I’m sure he’s going to fit in great with our program.”

More: Canton South High School football's Ethan Fricke selected to Blue-Grey All-American Bowl

For Cox, his expectations remain high, including winning the Federal League title and making another run in the playoffs. He also wants to duplicate his production from last season.

Canton South’s Rome Cox is slowed down by Struthers’ NaJier Howard on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
Canton South’s Rome Cox is slowed down by Struthers’ NaJier Howard on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.

After the loss to Avantae Burt, who will be playing for Central State next fall, and Jamar Johnson transferring to McKinley, Cox has a shot at being GlenOak’s go-to player on both ends of the field. The Golden Eagles finished 7-5, including a playoff win in Division I. Cox also is hopeful of attracting college interest.

Canton South running back Rome Cox holds off West Branch defender Clayton Day in the second quarter of Division IV regional semifinal at Louisville Leopard Stadium. Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.
Canton South running back Rome Cox holds off West Branch defender Clayton Day in the second quarter of Division IV regional semifinal at Louisville Leopard Stadium. Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.

“Yeah, I’m really excited to play in a higher division and to show that my last year stats weren’t a fluke,” Cox said. “I can play anywhere any time, put me on the field with whoever, whenever I’m going to ball.

“I think it can only help my recruiting cause. It shows my film playing against other kids who will be playing potential collegiate football players week in and week out, so it's exciting."

More: Canton native Charles Turner III thankful for brother Eddie Zinn for his childhood years

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Rome Cox transfers to GlenOak High School from Canton South